
Class- 







Book. 



CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS, 

PERSONAL. MORAL, DOMESTIC 

OF 

FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 

KING OF PR U 



II NARRATED BY 

THE VERY REVEREND R. PR. EVLERT, DO. 



TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN, 

HOLDER OF 1111 PRUSSIAN GREAT GOLD MTDM. OF HOMAGE, 
DATED 15 OCTOBER, 18 40. 

Author of " Fifty -one Original Fat/let and Morals," " Dirine Emblem*," Translator > 
both Part- I'mut," See. 



< 

GEORGE BELL, 186, FLEET STREET. 

vnrccxi.v. 









LONDON: 

WILLIAM 3TEVEX3, PRINTER, BELL YARD, 
TEMPLE BAR. 



DEDICATION. 



TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, 

THE PRINCE OF PRUSSIA. 

may it please your royal highness, 

Sir, 

The very gracious and conde- 
scending manner wherewith your Royal 
Highness was pleased to receive my pub- 
lication of " The Religious Life and Opi- 
nions of Frederick William III." — your 
Royal Highness's august and illustrious 
Father, emboldens me to inscribe the 
present volume to your Royal Highness ; 
confident that my object, and endeavour to 
extend the knowledge of the moral virtues 
of his late Majesty, to the British nation — 
to whom he was personally and gladly 
known in 1814 as King, Conqueror, Ally, 
a 2 



iv DEDICATION. 

and Guest — cannot be otherwise than 
agreeable to your Royal Highness's filial 
sentiments, — at the same time it affords me 
an opportunity of enhancing my tribute of 
gratitude to the memory of the late excel- 
lent King, under whose just and parental 
Rule I had the privilege and satisfaction of 
spending the most joyful years of my life. 

With cordial wishes for the health and 
happiness of your Royal Highness and 
Family — and the prosperity of the Royal 
House of Prussia, I have the honour to 
subscribe myself, 



May it please your Royal Highness, 

Sir, 
Your Royal Highness's 

Most obedient and very humble Servant, 
JONATHAN BIRCH. 



PREFACE. 



The favourable manner in which the 
religious selections from Bishop Eylert's 
work were received by the public, and the 
desire expressed by reviewers for additional 
information relative to the King's moral and 
domestic character, — have stimulated me to 
produce a Second volume from the same 
source : being in respect of paper, type, size, 
and binding, a perfect companion to the 
lately published " Religious Life and Opi- 
nions of Frederick William III." — together, 
they may be considered a full, though con- 
cise translation of the Bishop's " Character- 
istic Traits," so far as the domestic, moral, 
religious, and personal portions of the late 
King's character are concerned ; — for the 
venerable ecclesiastic studiously avoids en- 



vi PREFACE. 

tering on — what in a national point of view 
may be considered as of more importance — 
the legislative and military parts. 

What drops from the King's lips (pages 
135 to 150), in defence of Frederick the 
Great when walking in the park of Sans- 
Souci, and the account of his last interview 
with the illustrious warrior, — form an ori- 
ginal and interesting historical document, 
worthy of paramount attention, — and par- 
ticularly valuable to those who would justly 
estimate that renowned Monarch, — coming 
as it does from such truthful lips, and high 
authority. 



ERRATUM. 

Page 173, line A, for " themselves " read "itself." 



CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 
OF HIS LATE MAJESTY 

FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 

OF PRUSSIA. 



It is desirable, and undoubtedly advantageous that 
the Prince — towards whom all eyes are hereafter to be 
directed — possess an external form likely to make a 
favourable impression, — such as gains the confidence 
and affections of beholders at first sight. 

Socrates, who recognized the harmoniousness of na- 
ture, maintained, that primarily " a beauteous body was 
the habitation of a beauteous soul ;" and it has ever 
been the wish of nations, to contemplate in their rulers 
the two united. 

Nature had given to Frederick William III.* a pre- 
possessing and imposing exterior, — so much so, that a 

* Frederick William III. was the grand-nephew and favourite 
of Frederick the Great. 



2 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC; LIFE 

stranger walking in the Potsdam Park, struck by the 
personal appearance of one in simple attire — wearing 
no insignia of rank, and unattended — felt irresistibly 
moved to raise his hat and bow as he passed ; — not 
knowing until afterwards, that that one was the King. 
It is related that the same has often happened in distant 
countries, where he had chosen to assume the strictest 
incognito. 

It was not necessary to have studied Lavater, to dis- 
cover mildness and majesty in the features and form of 
our deceased master. 

The King was much above the common height, and 
his limbs were finely proportioned. His bearing was 
erect and military — at the same time wholly uncon- 
strained — and gracefully agreeing with his stature. His 
look, which partook of the serious and tranquil, was 
agreeable. His high forehead and unwrinkled brow 
indicated purity of mind — his full underlip firmness — and 
around his mouth hovered a mixture of good-nature and 
natural satire. His eyes were dark-blue — full of anima- 
tion and kindness — generally contemplative, yet indica- 
ting at times deep thought and experienced sorrow. His 
countenance was stern, intellectual, reposed, — never va- 
cant, or as if moved by suspicion, — but open, shrewd, 
and truthful. When he chose to express satisfaction 
by a smile, benevolence marked his aspect : what might be 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 6 

termed condescension, was in him graciousness of mind, 
for his eye beamed with good-will to all mankind. 
Never did human countenance more justly mirror forth 
the inward feeling — it might be denominated a pano- 
rama of received impressions. 

Did discourse turn on the misfortunes or casualties 
of others — sympathy was directly seen in the peculiar 
movement of the features of his face — the shrug of his 
shoulders — and the remembrance-knot, stealthily made 
in his handkerchief. 

His gait was firm and measured, — and the movement 
of his hands singularly graceful. 

When young, his person was slim, and he never became 
corpulent ; but in his 35th year, when he had reached 
the prime of manhood, he was considered to be, not 
only the most exalted, but the handsomest man in 
Prussia — a very chieftain. This was most visible 
when on parade surrounded by his guards, the elite 
of the nation — the stranger had not to ask, w ' Which 
is the King?" The best likenesses are that by 
Professor Kriiger in unbuttoned coat, — and that taken 
of him on the 1st of June 1840, a few days before 
his death, wherein lie is represented as standing at his 
palace window watching the ceremony of laying the 
first stone of the monument, then about to be erected 
to the memory of his predecessor, Frederick the Great. 
k2 



* CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

The King's voice was less pleasing than might be 
expected, having inherited from his father, Frederick 
William II., a nasal twang ; but as the what on all 
occasions is of more value than the how, — unfavourable 
as that might be to first impressions, it soon lost 
itself, and became a mere individual characteristic — 
nay, even agreeable to the ears of those who were about 
him. 

As in everything else, the King loved simplicity, 
even in respect of his own attire. 

His usual dress was a plain blue close coat, buttoned 
to the throat. Were he in the country — on the Peacock 
Island— or in retired Paretz, he then preferred the 
more commodious outer coat. 

When he visited the Bohemian or other baths, he -put- 
aside all that could possibly indicate royalty, and 
then his general dress was a dark-olive coat, white 
waistcoat, grey trowsers, black silk neckcloth, round 
beaver hat, — and light stick in hand. 

He was pleased when he could be a man amongst 
mankind,— then was he serene and buoyant, uncon- 
strained and at ease — for he was delighted to escape 
from all that limited. 

With reluctance he cast aside the garments to which 
he was accustomed, and he continued to wear them 
to the very verge of unseemliness. Were the object 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 5 

in question a coat or cloak — it was always, " the old 
one is as yet good enough, 1 ' — neither would he separate 
himself from them, until his affectionate daughters, 
by dint of amiable solicitation, prevailed on their revered 
father to adopt the new apparel. 

He generally wore the simple and convenient, yet 
significant, Landwehr-cap, putting it aside for the 
feathered hat only on court or gala days: on such 
occasions he wore orders, and dressed carefully, so that 
every portion fitted with the greatest accuracy his 
manly form. The Iron Cross was his favourite adorn- 
ment. 

The saying, " dress makes the man," applied in nowise 
to him; for whether at the Coronation-and- Order Fes- 
tival in Berlin, or strolling about the quiet streets of 
Potsdam unattended, and clad in the simple cap and 
grey surtout, it was all the same — lie was King in 
every dress ! 

His desire for the simple and unornamental, was 
equally observable in his choice of residences, and 
manner of using them. — When he succeeded to the 
Crown, he did not inhabit the extensive Berlin Chateau 
of his forefathers, but remained in the small, yet com- 
fortable palace he used when Crown- Prince — the 
same in which he died. The various rooms were 
tastefully furnished with valuable paintings and other 



6 , CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

works of art, also a choice selection of perennials ; 
but decorations such as ornament the Great Palace 
were not to be seen there — he required not such in his 
more retired royal domicile. 

The King was an admirer and good judge of Art 
in all its branches, and in the course of his forty- three 
years 1 reign, he expended many millions thereon. He 
built the Museum, and stored it with the costliest 
specimens. 

In what may be termed his own rooms, pictures on 
scriptural subjects predominated, particularly those 
which represented scenes from the life of Jesus and his 
Apostles — and the Ecce Homo of Raphael, which was 
to him of surpassing worth. He took delight in making 
presents of biblical paintings to churches. 

He spent the greater part of the day, particularly the 
forenoon, in his cabinet, where all was orderly, elegant, 
yet void of ornament. Potsdam was his favourite place 
of residence, and his abode there was the third story of 
the palace, on the side which adjoins the pleasure-garden 
and the long bridge over the Havel ; — these apartments 
are comfortable but small, and far from lofty — not 
equalling the suites of many a wealthy private individual. 
The furniture in his study consisted of a high desk, at 
which he wrote standing — a bookcase full of the German 
classics, — a corner cupboard, — a common sofa, — a small 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. i 

looking-glass, and several cane- bottomed chairs : — on 
the walls hung ancient and modern representations of 
the Prussian army, and a copper-plate print of Christ 
Blessing the Children. 

His bed-room, which was remote from noise, was 
rather dark, and without decorations ; containing only 
the usual washing apparatus — a simple camp-bedstead, 
such as every officer has — a cloak-horse — and a boot- 
jack. His bed was a hard mattrass and light covering ; 
and on the small table by his bedside lay, together with 
a translation of Thomas a Kempis, various works of 
serious character. On the second floor the cheerful 
small saloon, hung with pictures, and its adjoining 
room, were alone in use ; the rest, which were state- 
apartments, being kept closed, except on extraordinary 
occasions. 

The King, by his firm regularity, and simple living, 
preserved to advanced age his robust health ; — every- 
thing was done by clock-work throughout the day, and 
he was best pleased when nothing occurred to disturb 
this uniformity. The whole was planned out, and 
every occupation had its time to a minute. All who 
were about him were so well tutored, that each one 
knew what he had to do, and when to do it. 

He was moderate in everything, particularly in respect 
of table enjoyments ; the pleasures of the gourmand 



O CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

were therefore almost unknown to him, — nevertheless 
on court festivals, and when illustrious visitors were his 
guests, the royal table was richly served ; and nothing 
recherche was omitted which the most refined epicure 
could desire in respect of elegance, variety, quality, 
and quantity. 

The King neither loved, nor would tolerate the super- 
fluous ; — in the circle of his family and usual guests, 
his table was only that of any opulent merchant ; even 
then, he partook not of all the dishes, choosing the 
plainest, and those thought most wholesome. He drank 
little wine, not more than two or three glasses ; — 
yet he was well pleased that his guests enjoyed them- 
selves, for hardly was a glass empty, ere one of the 
numerous servants filled it again ; but his example 
checked immoderation, and never was seen at court, 
even on the greatest festival, an inebriated man. When 
the Court Marshal, on the King's return to Berlin in 
1809, after the unfortunate war of 1806, asked "whe- 
ther he should order a quantity of champagne?" the 
answer was, " Not yet ! — not before all my subjects — 
even the poorest — can afford to drink beer again." — 
He expressed himself well pleased when a fisherman, 
gardener, or any of the neighbouring country people, 
sent him cakes or other table fare. Of such presents 
he always partook ; and when the surveyor of the 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 9 

kitchen named the giver, he would say, " very agree- 
able to me ; must make amends ; put me in mind 
thereof .'" and the presenter was sure of receiving a 
return-present. 

Dinner was usually over in an hour and a half, — sel- 
dom lasting two hours ; for supper the King took that 
which was light — generally milk — rarely a glass of wine. 
When he came to the crown, the Marshall proposed a 
more extended list of viands for the royal table, and re- 
ceived for answer, " Has my stomach become more 
capacious since I am King? — be it as it has been until 
now !" 

His greatest enjoyment in the shape of food was ripe 
fruit of the best sorts ; therefore he upheld with especial 
care the hot, green, and forcing-houses, established by 
Frederick the Great in and about Sans Souci ; — and the 
accomplished court gardener knew how to keep his table 
supplied with the choicest — equal in flavour to what 
might be obtained in the south of Europe. After the 
congress of Vienna, when the King, accompanied by the 
Emperors of Russia and Austria, visited Italy, and toge- 
ther ascended Mount Vesuvius, they were presented 
with some of the delicious grapes that grow at its foot — 
well known by the name Lacrimal Christi. The vines at 
Sans Souci being of the same species, the King had 
purposely ordered some of them to be forwarded, which 



10 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

being placed in different flower-baskets, they were set 
before and partaken of by the illustrious visitors with- 
out being informed of the different place of growth ; 
and to the King's satisfaction the Lacrimse Christi of 
Sans Souci were preferred to those of Vesuvius, as being 
fuller, riper, and more highly flavoured. 

Every morning throughout the year small baskets of 
fruit were placed on an appointed table in his dwelling- 
room, and beside them labels with the names of all his 
children. Smilingly he selected and apportioned these 
delicious gifts of bountiful Nature ; into the several 
baskets, which he ornamented with flowers, he placed 
a label bearing the name of one of his children ; — each 
had a portion, and the already waiting servants took 
them to their destination : — such was the royal father's 
every-day morning salute to his children. Who feels not 
the sentiment conveyed ? — If the former anecdote may 
be likened to a Symposian Dithyrambic — then may we 
with justice denominate the latter an Idyl. 

What the King saved of luxurious expenditure was 
dispensed for general purposes ; and never were the poor 
and miserable forgotten — for daily, and in all directions, 
flowed his noiseless benevolence. If Prussia, subsequent 
to those misfortunes that brought her to the verge of 
national annihilation, has, to the astonishment of the 
world, recovered her greatness so quickly in a financial, 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 11 

moral and physical point of view, enjoying again exten- 
sive credit ; such immeasurable good fortune may in a great 
degree be attributed to the virtuous singleness of mind, 
and frugality of Frederick William III. His moral 
maxims were the rule and guide of himself and family, 
and he made them to flow into and through all branches 
of the administration. As in every well ordered private 
economy, so in state management, the requisite is ever 
present, if inclination for the unnecessary and super- 
fluous, with all its changing moodiness and endless 
desires, be sternly repulsed. 

But this wisdom and moderation — firm regulations 
and serene frugality — must proceed from the uppermost, 
namely, the monarch; if fresh and healthy strength, shall 
invigorate the State-body. 

Thence came our regeneration ; for inasmuch as our 
never-to-be-forgotten King was a pattern of domestic 
life, so was he what the best of rulers should be — the 
firm, unbending, yet mildly virtuous father of his people. 
The following significant anecdote relative to his early 
moderation was told me by his confidential servant, 
Wolter, who was a truly estimable man. " When the 
King was a boy of ten years, and I had the duty of wait- 
ing on him, a fruiterer's lad in the middle of winter made 
his appearance at his Highness's apartments with a small 
basket of ripe hot-house cherries. The young prince was 



12 



CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 



delighted at sight of them, and wished to become a 
purchaser of the rarities ; but being informed that the 
price was five dollars, he said, ' What ! five dollars for 
a handful of cherries V — and unhesitatingly turning from 
them, added, ' I ought not, neither do I desire to have 
them !' Almost immediately afterwards a shoemaker 
of Potsdam was announced, and I informed the Prince 
that the poor fellow had been long ill of a nervous-fever, 
— that he was in sad plight, and that his trade in conse- 
quence of sickness and exhausted funds had dwindled to 
nothing — that he was in want of leather to begin the 
world again, which would cost twenty dollars — that not 
having a stiver, he in his necessities had come to peti- 
tion his Royal Highness graciously to give him that 
sum. 

"' How much have I got?' said the Prince, with com- 
passionate emotion. On my informing him fifty dollars, 
he instantaneously commanded me to give the poor man 
the desired twenty dollars in his name, with the wish 
that they might prove fortunate to him. The artisan 
received the boon and good wish with o'er whelming joy 
and gratitude, and expressed a desire to be permitted 
personally to thank his Royal Highness. This the 
Prince refused in these words : ' 'Tis not necessary ; 
'twould only embarrass the poor fellow.' " Here have 
we the King in nucc. The young Prince estimates 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 13 

five dollars as too much to lavish on cherries for which 
his mouth waters, and stoically dismisses the desired 
enjoyment, — whilst he readily gives nearly half of his 
small money-store to help an unfortunate artisan ; — then 
refuses from delicacy of feeling, to receive his grateful 
thanks, but adds to the boon a wish that God's blessing 
may attend it. 

The pleasing anecdote has a thousand times crossed 
my mind when observing and meditating on the King's 
actions in after-life. 

In tracing the King's intellectual qualities, the first 
and most prominent, and that forming the ground-work 
of the whole, was natural and healthy good common sense 
(sensus communis) ; — however strange it may appear, 
nevertheless it is probably true, that our present system 
of mental culture, which consists of so many heteroge- 
neous elements, oftener tends in its commencement 
rather to crush natural and healthy common sense, than 
to awaken and vivify it, — for that does not originate in 
the understanding and its power of thought, but is con- 
nected with clearness and simplicity of temper, and has 
its force in the totality of the man : therefore in such 
respect it is primary, and the most precious gift of 
nature ; — and nothing better as a foundation can be 
wished for in man, or ruler. It is for practical life 
and its ever-varying snares — better than erudition, 



14 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

and an isolated mass of dead and multitudinous ab- 
stract knowledge, — it is in life's chronometer, main- 
spring, weight, stroke and tick, and is indispensable 
to those who have much to think about, to judge of, 
and to decide upon. In a peculiar degree it was the 
property of the deceased King ; and one may say with 
truth, that his natural, healthy, straightforward com- 
mon sense, predominated in all he did ; it was his help 
at hand. His life, rich in experience, had taught him 
that all and every matter, however brilliantly intro- 
duced and made prospectively flattering, proved in the 
realizing very different from what it promised. There- 
fore was he never led away by sanguine hopes, but ever 
remained moderate in his expectations ; having learnt 
the important and difficult virtue of " being able to wait." 
His judgment for that reason was always sound and 
striking, being not only the product of his understanding, 
but his pure tact — not only of his clear head, but of his 
noble and feeling heart. Nothing in him was isolated 
but a concentrated flowing, and one saw in him a whole 
— as to-day, so to-morrow. 

Thence originated, without surmising it himself, his 
calm preponderance — for the majority of mankind 
are fragmental — composed of patches. He might be 
said to be a form of a single cast, and therefore did his 
homogeny give to his whole preponderance ; not only 



Oi FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 15 

valid in every day circumstances, — which would be 
saying little for one clothed in regal authority and loyally 
reverenced by all — but also in council with his ministers 
— such men as Hardenburg, Stein, and Humboldt : not 
that he undervalued their perhaps superior sagacity and 
learning, for he had chosen their Excellences to be of 
his privy council because of such qualities : but it mani- 
fested itself when, after long debate, opposition, and 
individual tenacity, they had brought themselves and 
the matter under consideration to a "fix;" — then the 
fast and complicated knot was generally loosed by the 
simple and sound views of the King ; so that the minis- 
ters looking at each other with amazement, have ad- 
mitted the solution to be proximate, and wondered that 
they should have taken erroneous views of the matter. 
His penetration and judgment were almost as prompt 
as Columbus's egg-poising. In that which he thought 
right, real, and for the public good — supported by his 
divination-gift (sensus numinis*), which told him what 
would or would not work, or what would or would not 
succeed — he remained decided and inflexible even then 
when all the privy council were of a different opinion. 

Such has often happened on most important political 
matters — namely, in 1812, when the Emperor Napoleon 

* Nemo unquam vita magnus sine afflatu divino fuit, says Cicero. 



1() CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AM) DOMESTIC LIFfi 

prepared for, and entered on, his gigantic invasion 
of Russia. The King was thereby placed in the most 
painful and frightful position, — for he was forced, 
through the untowardness of events and circumstances, 
to furnish a large portion of his troops to that powerful 
man — then at the culminating point of his greatness; — 
to assist him — his deadly enemy — he who had brought 
misfortune on himself, country, and people,— to carry 
on war against his friend the Emperor Alexander. 

Shrinking from the hideousness of such a state of things, 
— all his confidential counsellors foreboding the worst, 
were of opinion, that with Napoleon (for he had dis- 
tinctly shown his hatred of Prussia — and of the King 
personally, so lately as during his stay at Dresden) 
there should be no more negociating. Therefore was 
it recommended by them that all tergiversatory mea- 
sures should be abandoned, and the decided step 
taken : — namely, to risk the sacrifice of every thing for 
the moment, and firmly coalesce with Russia against 
France. 

This view of the matter, respective of the then poli- 
tical circumstances, had much for it ; and the most 
sagacious diplomatists were of that opinion, — not so 
the King ; he was decidedly against such line of policy 
— for an inward presentiment made it impossible for him 
to acquiesce. " Who," said he, " will guarantee to us 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 17 

that if I not being strong enough to oppose, draw on 
me the French army, — and be forced to fall back be- 
yond the Prussian borders to unite with Russia, sac- 
rificing thereby everything — who, I say, will guarantee 
to us that the French Emperor does not change his 
whole plan, drop the intended war against Russia — 
and then in right of Conqueror, deprive me of the 
remaining half of my country? No; in such great 
worldly occurrences, we must not presumptuously an- 
ticipate Providence, but await the beckon : I see it not 
yet. According to my view of the matter, only two 
results can occur : if the French Emperor succeeds 
this time — then, inasmuch as I shall have fulfilled his 
wish in giving the demanded troops-in-aid — he cannot 
take from me that I have ; if on the contrary he mis- 
carry — which I ardently hope — then will the future teach 
what is to be done/ 1 

How, through the wonderful assistance of the elements 
the King's judgment and patience were justified — the 
destruction of the overwhelming French army on the 
northern Ice-plains, the world hath witnessed with 
joyous astonishment. 

Who does not bless the determination of our revered 

lord and master ! — through him the restoration of 

Prussia and one may say all Germany, has been brought 

about : — and when we reflect how he, in the most 

c 



18 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

weighty matters, where all was at stake, remained col- 
lected and still; and how he, depending on the inspi- 
ration of his straitforward, sound, common sense, spoke 
the wisdom of a Solomon concisely and without ostenta- 
tion ; then shall we be reminded of the ingenuous judg- 
ment the vigorous-minded minister, von Stein, passed on 
him : " The King is more penetrating, prudent and 
judicious, than any of us, without being aware of it, — 
even as the truly good man is unconscious of being 
good." 

The King's clear bon sens void of sophistry, whether 
on great matters or the smaller affairs of the day, always 
hit the right point. 

The King placed no decided emphasis on what he 
said, as is common with those who are egotistic — but all 
flowed from his lips pretensionless, clear, and void of 
ornament ; therefore was it that his remarks were often 
heard without making deep impressions ; — if however 
what had passed were reflected on, one could discover 
that his opinions uttered in so few words were preg- 
nant with profound meaning. In the world much 
is pondered on, and much more spoken : yet how few 
are there, who, throughout a life of talk, have delivered 
one wise sentence ! — clearness of thought, depth, and ex- 
perience, combined with naivete, are the requisites. The 
King loved proverbs ; particularly those of our nation. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 19 

Such manner of thinking and form of expression aided 
him in the multiplicity and manifoldness of his occu- 
pations as Sovereign. His replies to the representa- 
tions, reports, and petitions that daily came in, were 
generally written in the margins ; — a selection from 
those resolves would be an authentic and admirable 
addition to his Characteristic Traits. 

He was very apt at pithy answers, and his coup (JCceil 
was so correct and quick, that he never had to ponder 
long. I will record two examples which came under 
my immediate notice. 

When the organization of the Landwehr took place, 
preparatory to the great struggle for freedom, the 
authorities had proposed that the caps should bear the 
energetic motto, M Weaponless, Honourless !" On one 
being submitted to the King for approbation, he tersely 
replied : — " The sentence is too sweeping, — says too 
much, and is unjust : there are many worthy and brave 
men owing to their age, calling, sickness, family cir- 
cumstances, 8cc, will be prevented from carrying a 
musket, , and taking a direct and active part in the 
conflict, — who remaining at home will, through their 
influence, benefit the good cause in manifold ways: 
such may not be stigmatized as * honourless.' No, 
no, the motto shall be, ' with God, for King and 

Country.' " 

c 2 



20 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

Mr. ,* was government, registrar in D , and 

performed his official duties efficiently and uprightly, 
— when in consequence of the unfortunate war of 1806 
that portion of the country fell under French domina- 
tion, f the registrar it is true retained his place and 
salary, but as the French authorities decided all cases 
that came before them off-handedly and without refer- 
ence to the ante acta, they required none of the regis- 
trar's judicial deeds and rolls. The many- chambered 
registration bureau remained therefore unfrequented, and 
its chief had nothing more to do, — as search after docu- 
ments for reference or otherwise was never demanded of 
him. He was married and had nine children, the most 
part born during the French occupation. His small 
stipend, never regularly paid him — often only in driblets 
— no longer sufficed to purchase for his numerous family 
the common necessaries of life, — and inasmuch as he 
thought Napoleon's domination firmly established, and 
the repossession of the country by the Prussians hope- 
less, he, from time to time, sold what he considered to 
be worthless portions of the acts and statutes to the 
shopkeepers for waste paper, and by that means pro- 
vided for his family wants when hard pressed; — thus 

* I do not give the name, because both he and his family are 
still living. 

t Probably formed part of Jerome's Kingdom of Westphalia. 
— Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 21 

the registration, in the course of a few years, nearly 
disappeared, — unnoticed or disregarded by the French 
authorities. 

After the fortunately-ended war of 1813 and 1814, 
when that country again fell to Prussia, and the former 
principles of government took place ; the old registra- 
tion bureau no longer existed, and the registrar, who 
had sold its contents, was arrested and brought before 
the Criminal Court, which, after legal investigation, 
condemned him to loss of place, ten years"' imprison- 
ment, and unworthiness to hold office again, or wear 
the National Cockade. In this dreadful plight — with 
a wife and nine children in want — the unfortunate, 
and but for this occurrence, irreproachable man, 
besought forgiveness of the King ; and his excellent 
wife, whom I had heretofore, in my position of clergy- 
man in Hamm, instructed in the principles of the 
Christian religion, most urgently begged of me to 
place the petition in the King's hands, and support it 
by my intercession. I held such to be my duty, and 
awaited a favourable opportunity. This ere long offered, 
being invited to join the King at Paretz. # 

On arrival, the King invited me to walk with him 
in the adjacent park. My heart palpitated ; — the pic- 

* A retired village about 9 miles from Potsdam, where there is 
a small royal chateau. 



22 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

ture of the unfortunate family was before my soul, and 
with emotion I said, " Your Majesty, I have a petition 
in my pocket which oppresses my heart." After con- 
cisely stating .the particulars of the case, the King 
said — 

" As respects the destroyed acts, the matter might 
possibly be arranged, — for in the offices there is more 
written than requisite. The world would not lose much, 
were it possessed of fewer of those opera ! I know 
how I myself am teazed by useless writings, and how 
sheets of folio are covered with what might be said 
on a page of octavo: — but 'tis the nature of the 
Bureaucracy* The present case will greatly depend on, 
whether, amongst the disposed-of papers, there were 
any title-deeds and such like documents, the loss of 
which would prove detrimental, and perhaps ruinous, to 
the rights of others. Is it so \ — then will it be difficult 
to help the poor man. I must be officially informed 
on the subject, and will order a report to be made me on 
that point. If however they are only acts relative to 
passed and settled transactions, — then one may be in- 
duced to show indulgence. The old order of things is 
past, and a new era begun ; respective of the former 
we have much to forgive and forget ; — it is to be hoped 

* A word recently much used in Germany, meaning officials 
belonging to the civil government.— Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM HI. 23 

the present will work more beneficially." So spake our 
royal master: — circumspectly and sympathisingly. 

The commanded report turned out favourably for 
the Registrar, for it appeared that title-deeds and 
documents of real importance, so far from being sold, 
had been carefully selected and preserved. It resulted 
that he was pardoned, and attached to the Government 
office in M — . 

When I presented the happily-rescued family's letter 
of thanks to the King, he mildly said, " I am well 
pleased that the affair admitted of such act of grace." 

Many such instances of justice and humanity hap- 
pened during his long and paternal reign. No day of 
his life was sine linea. 

The King possessed healthy common sense, logi- 
cally arranged, and at his command; — I have heard 
him speak uninterruptedly in conference on Church 
affairs for twenty to thirty minutes, with conclusiveness 
and eloquence, so that that which he purposed and 
desired, was expressed in a most clear and connected 
manner. He hated the diffuse and confused, and when 
about to be annoyed in that way, he repulsed the 
parties with " It's out of place — to the point, to the 
point V He disliked sophistical and abstract combi- 
nations, and he never allowed himself to be bewildered 
in the transcendental mazes of artfully arranged ideas. 



24« CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

When such were on the tapis, he withdrew, saying, 
" That's too lofty for me !" He disapproved of depth 
without clearness ; eschewed shallowness and trifling, 
and abhorred vulgarity of manner and expression. 

He neither loved nor cultivated philosophy as a science; 
had it been otherwise, surrounded as he was by a con- 
crete world, time would have been wanting to obtain 
mastery over it. Although not unacquainted with its 
historical outlines, he desired no nearer intimacy: for 
its prominent changeableness — as when one highly-prized 
system is repudiated to make room for another, and 
that in its turn is pulled down only to be recreated 
under a novel form and colouring, — had caused him to 
place little confidence in human wisdom. So that 
when books of such tendency were sent him, he was 
used to say, " I thank the author for this mark of 
attention ; but I take no interest in such Sisyphusian 
labour." Then satirically smiling, he would add, " Most 
likely the old affair of Gellert's hat; it always has 
been so — and will be so to the end of the chapter." 

In his early years he had heard much about Kant's 
philosophy, and had read several of his works, particu- 
larly that " On the Conflict of the Faculties,"* and was 
much amused at the question of whether philosophy was 
the handmaid of theology, or vice versa ? 

* Ueber den Streit der Facultaten. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 25 

Since then, having personally known Kant when in 
Konigsberg, he spoke of him as of a powerful soul in a 
small feeble body; and felt a friendship for the deep- 
thinker, owing to Dr. Borowsky's biography of him, 
so much so, that he took an interest in knowing what 
strides the Kantian philosophy made. 

Professor Fichte, although accused of atheism and 
driven from Jena, being at that time a disciple and fol- 
lower of Kant,* the King nevertheless inclined to 
invite him to Berlin ; and the minister Beyme, him- 
self a clear-headed man, and fond of all species of 
knowledge, fostered that feeling in the King. But 
when after Kant's death he saw that Fichte sported a 
new system, and thereby drew on himself the homage 
heretofore offered to Kant — which system in its turn was 
obscured by Schelling's — and this pulled down by 
Hegel, who had been called to Berlin — the matter 
became too motley for the King — and he lost all desire 
to follow the labyrinthian march of intellect, in that 
direction, any further : yet he always evinced a lively 
interest in the prosperity of his country's universities, 
and other educational establishments. To his death 
he never ceased to invite to them the most renowned 
doctors in all the Faculties, whether foreigners or not. 

* Fichte's anonymous publication, " Criticism on all Revela- 
tions," was attributed to Kant himself, until he publicly denied it. 



'26 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

With a royal munificence, surpassing that displayed 
by any of his ancestors, he placed the Professors in 
comfortable circumstances, and by their celebrity the 
institutions so advanced in character, that students 
who desired a well-grounded education flocked to 
them. He valued Hegel personally; and when he 
heard that Hegel had allied himself to Biblical Chris- 
tianity, he rejoiced ; but afterwards, understanding 
that it could be demonstrated that Hegel, in the 
use of Biblical expressions, combined a meaning to 
them different to the obvious sense of Holy Writ, 
and that the Hegelites were become disunited and 
violently at variance, he shook his head ; and lost 
confidence in respect of philosophy in divine matters. 

A lively sally, to which he refrained giving expres- 
sion, was often discernible in his countenance ; for he 
never uttered a conceit that was likely to wound the 
hearer. In confidential and intimate circles, namely, at 
table, he was unreserved, and when a witty comparison 
or innocent thought struck him, he freely gave it vent. 

The conversation once turning on Russia and the 
General Field-marshal, Diebitsch-Sabalkansky, who had 
made himself renowned in the Turkish war ; it was ob- 
served by Colonel , one of the King's adjutants, 

a witty and amiable man, but who, owing to his 
" bonhomie" and numerous family, continually found 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 27 

himself short of cash, and whose debts the King had 
often paid, " that he was especially glad, since the re- 
nowned Diebitsch was a born Prussian, and educated 
in the Royal Cadet-establishment of Berlin." 

" You see, my dear Colonel," said his Majesty, " what 
may be made of a Prussian. Should the Emperor ol 
Russia be in want of a Finance Minister, I shall propose 
you ! M 

This undoubtedly piquant remark was so good- 
naturedly toned, that it foreboded further pecuniary 
assistance. Not long after, when the King presented the 
same brave man, with whom he liked to joke, a sum of 
money which shall be nameless, by means of a draft 
on the Treasury, he entered it in the first book that 
came to hand under the following heading, " First In- 
stalment," which presenting to Col. , he good- 

humouredly said, " How do you like that book V " Ad- 
mirably," replied the Colonel. " The first part is pre- 
cious ; and I long to see the second." The King- 
repeated the present in the same manner and form, 
jocosely heading the entry, " Second and Last Part." 

He had ordered a carriage to be built for his journey 
to Italy ; — when the Berlin coachmaker brought it to 
Charlottenburg, for the King's inspection, he said, 
" The main point is this, — will it, in addition to the 
comfort I required, possess the qualities of strength 



28 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

and durability?" "In this carriage," said the maker, 
"your Majesty may drive to Rome without starting 
a screw." The King, by way of trial, proceeded from 
Charlottenburg to Berlin in his new carriage ; but 
strange to say, exactly opposite the sign of the " City 
of Rome," the front axletree snapped. The King got 
leisurely out, saying, "truly the man has kept his 
word ; I've got as far as the city of Rome." 

Be it permitted to record one of the King's plea- 
santries relative to myself. I had preached before the 
King from Luke xiv. 8 — 11 : " When thou art invited," 
&c. Led by the text, I expatiated on the virtues 
of diffidence and humility — recommending them as safe 
preservers of our happiness. 

Being that day invited to dine at the royal table 
in company of many high in office, I hung back, 
and having entered the banqueting-room last, took 
my place at the lower end of the table. The King 
surveying his guests, called to me, " Eylert, you 
are probably applying to-day's text ? But it also 
says, ' Friend, go higher P — Come, take the chair op- 
posite to me." The undeserved and unexpected honour, 
nevertheless embarrassed me. Such joyous tempera- 
ment, however, was the exception, not the rule, • for 
his equanimity and dignified earnestness hardly ad- 
mitted of joking. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 29 

Inasmuch as practical understanding, in unison with 
moral tact, was his distinguishing strength, so was his 
imagination a subordinate faculty, which, far from 
domineering, proved only a collateral decoration. To 
give himself up to fancy, to describe her pictures, to 
indulge in rapsody, was no affair of his. 

The wholesome tendency of his goodwill and striving, 
permitted not of poetic flights : yet had he, with 
a happy evenness of soul, a decided feeling for the 
beautiful. He was attached to music, — more so to the 
successful creations of the painter and sculptor, — more- 
over he was a decided friend of the drama. 

Together with the useful, he loved and fostered 
the beautiful in art and science ; but the useful, as 
being that which would prove most beneficial to his 
subjects, had the preference : — that secured, he turned 
with pleasure to the beautiful and diverting. He felt 
not what is termed rapture when contemplating a 
work of art ; and to ecstasy and enthusiasm he was a 
stranger. His phantasy was the phantasy of reason 
and warm moral feeling. He hated extremes; and 
eccentricities, and all sorts of delusions, apparitions, 
and hocus-pocussing, occasioned in him disgust, which 
he failed not to express : therefore did the sanguine pro- 
ject-mongers of 1806 to ] 81 2 never get his ear. One 
heard him often say, " I have no love for phantoms 



30 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

and phantasmagorias ; I can make no beneficial use 
of phantists ;" adding, " Phantasus was brother to 
Morpheus. " 

Equanimity never forsook him, whether in prosperity 
or misfortune : — such can only be the case, when fancy 
with its equivocal blessings is kept within bounds. 

His Memory was retentive — a gift most important 
to a ruler; — everything he read, saw, and heard, took 
full hold, if worthy his attention; even figures and 
names were at his command, when in connexion with 
any circumstance or person that had interested him. 

It appears hardly credible, nevertheless it is strictly 
true, that he knew the greater portion of his guards, — 
generally greeting those on duty at the palaces by name, 
when he passed them ; — such recognition from the 
King's lips was highly estimated by the brave men. 

When he journied to Westphalia, in 1799, he halted 
on the 7th of June at Hamm, the capital of the pro- 
vince of Mark ; before the government-house, at which 
he alighted, a crowd of huzzaing folks had assem- 
bled ; amongst them the King espied one of the tall 
Potsdam Guards in uniform ; he was the son of a sexton, 
named Koch, belonging to a neighbouring village, to 
visit whom, he had obtained a furlough. The King was 
standing at the window enjoying the gratulations of his 
trusty Markers, when he caught sight of the guardsman, 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 31 

and opening the window, he shouted — " Koch, what 
are you doing here?" Being informed, he gave him 
money to spend with his father. 

In 1810, the King being at Potsdam, was standing at 
the window — his usual custom after dinner — and beside 
him the then Colonel of the 1st Regiment of Guards, 
Von Kessel ; looking towards the road he remarked 
hard-bya poorly-clad man, who, with uncovered head, 
was staringup at the window, holding at same time a 
letter in his uplifted hand. " I know that man, 11 said 
the King, " he has a peculiar face ; his name is Arnold 
Schultz, and was one of the Magdeburg garrison. He 
served under me when Crown Prince, in the cam- 
paign against France, in 1792, and was wounded be- 
fore Mayence. 11 Colonel yon Kessel remarked, " Is 
your Majesty quite sure ?— from 1792 to 1810, are 
eighteen years, almost too long to remember suchlike 
occurrences." 

" I'll convince you, 11 said the King, ordering one of 
his adjutants to show the man up. As he entered, the 
King said, " What's thy name, my son? 11 — Arnold 
Schultz. 11 " You were a soldier? 11 — " Yes, belonging 
to the Magdeburg garrison; inarched against the 
French in 1792, and was wounded before Mayence. 
Your Majesty, then Crown Prince, was very kind 
to me, — had me taken to the next Lazaret, — gave 



32 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

me money — and ordered that I should be taken good 
care of." " What, then, has brought thee to Pots- 
dam V "Alas! I'm badly off now. The French in 
Magdeburg, because I won't leave off feeling that Fm 
a Prussian, have dismissed me from my post of gate- 
keeper. I have no bread for wife and children, — 
therefore am I come to Potsdam, to beg of my 
rightful and gracious master a little help. r> " And 
thou shalt have it, old man," said the King — order- 
ing, at the same time, that he should immediately 
receive nutriment in the palace kitchen, be clothed from 
head to foot, and have money and support until he was 
appointed to some post. A few years before his death, 
the King was taking a ride in a carriage and pair, accom- 
panied by only one of his adjutants, as was his custom, 
in the park. Driving at a slow pace, he saw amongst 
the saluters an aged man, a merchant of Kbnigsberg, 
who, in the unfortunate years extending from 1806 to 
1809, had displayed much interest and attachment to- 
wards the King and his lamented consort during their 
sojourning there. 

The King ordered the coachman to stop, and calling 
to the Kbnigsberger, who, with wife and children stood 
near — he by name bid him approach. 

"My God! v said the King, "you in Berlin, and 
not call ! Have you already forgotten me I I, how- 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. S3 

ever, am mindful of the loyalty and attachment you 
showed to me, and my deceased Consort, during our 
stay in Konigsberg. Where do you reside V 

The King commanded that the whole family should 
be invited to dine with him next day ; and such summons 
was several times repeated. When the merchant left 
for Konigsberg, he and his family were surprised by 
appropriate and pleasing presents. 

The King's character, as displayed through his pro- 
minent individualities, was conditional ; at the same 
time enlightened by the quality and direction of his 
intellectual powers — having an active and decided mind 
— and that mental action always under control, — he was ^ 
more guided by ideas than feelings : — whence, as a mat- 
ter of course, the fundamental principles which fixed his 
character developed themselves. With his self-staid- 
ness, it was a never-deviating necessity of his nature, to 
have a firm groundwork for what he thought, felt, 
desired, decided on, and did, — so that in all that came 
before him, he, in the first place, dived into the origin 
and motive of the matter : was anything equivocal or 
impure therein, he was sure to discover it, — which dis- 
missing in the most summary manner, there was little 
chance of his being troubled with a second application 
from the same quarter : were the matter of high impor- 
tance — without directly inquiring into its grounds and 



34 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

consequences, he hesitated, saying : " Time will show — 
we must wait." In such cases he deferred — not from 
mental vacillation, but on the principle of non-precipi- 
tation ; — and valuing the lessons of experience more 
than systems of theory, he became a decided enemy 
to all experimentalizing; — therefore was his reign so 
full of interim-measures — often and severely criticised 
by the rash writers of the day, — who ignorantly over- 
looked, or maliciously misconstrued, the just moderation 
and caution of the King they would rudely school. 
The well-informed, however, knew that such proceeded 
from anxious consideration, and great foresight. 

It is not to be denied, that his diffidence and reserve 
made him appear, until 1813, distrustful of himself, — 
and his tender scruples, when difficult cases of collision 
presented themselves, often anxious and uneasy ; — for 
in his conscientiousness, and knowledge of his duties 
towards the Omniscient Judge, the King's character 
had deep rooting, and renewal of strength. 

His character was real, — and from its decided truth- 
fulness, proceeded the King^ other eminent qualities : 
— nature seemed to have organized him for that virtue 
of all virtues. In his manifold conflicts with men of all 
sorts and degrees during his long reign, he never inten- 
tionally deceived any one. His yes was veritably yes, 
and his no, final. His commands were self-evident 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 35 

axioms. If explanation were asked, he was liable to feel 
annoyed ; when so, he would turn away with these 
words, " It explains itself!" 

Truth was his end and aim, and veracity the only 
means of obtaining his favour. It was impossible to 
stand before him without acutely feeling it — therefore 
have some foreigners admitted to audience said, " When 
he spoke and looked earnestly at us, we forgot all we 
purposed saying, and could with difficulty get out a few 
commonplace sentences." 

His rigid love of truth caused his dislike of flattery : 
truly he was pleased when his actions were justly judged 
of, and the purity of his intentions appreciated. He 
quickly remarked personal attachment — and men of 
tact, who could worthily and politely say the agreeable, 
were not unacceptable to him — but the line of demar- 
cation was most delicate, and a frown was seen on his 
brow if anything said bordered on flattery — for he sus- 
pected wrong so soon as truth was violated. 

In 1836, the sons of the King of the French, namely, 
the Dukes of Orleans and Nemours, visited Berlin; — 
after many days' sojourn a grand farewell entertainment 
was given them, in the New Palace. At parting, the 
Duke of Orleans several times motioned to kiss the 
King's hand, who, somewhat embarrassed, placed it 
behind him. But the accomplished Prince, watching 
d 2 



S6 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

an opportunity, repeated the attempt, saying, " My 
father commanded me not to return until I had 
kissed the beneficent hand that for twenty years has 
preserved the peace of the world. 11 Thereupon the 
King gave his hand, and afterwards cordially embraced 
him. 

A reigning Grand Duke standing beside the King at 
a window in the Old Palace, which looks towards the 
Museum, remarked : " Berlin has only become splendid 
under your Majesty !" The expression, as being an 
historical fact, contained no flattery, it nevertheless dis- 
composed the King's temper, who answered in simple 
and pretensionless manner, " Circumstances have 
favoured me ; under the same, my predecessors would 
have done more :" — turning the conversation to another 
subject. 

On occasion of the triumphal entry into Paris, at the 
head of his brave and victorious army, which was the 
most glorious and splendid moment of his life, — and 
later, his return entry into Berlin between two Emperors, 
surrounded by his huzzaing people; no mark of self- 
conceit, vanity, or egotism, was depicted on his face. 
All who were eye-witnesses of that scene, and the events 
of those remarkable days, report that he received with 
perfect serenity the jubilating homage of the people; 
and with deepest gratitude he acknowledged the singu- 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 37 

lar good fortune which had raised him and his people : 
but when anything was said or done that would attri- 
bute the happy result to his wisdom and guidance, then 
would he say, " Not us ! not us ; to God alone be the 
honour." 

Journeying through Silesia, the Clergymen of a town 
he stopped at, were presented to him ; it being Saturday, 
the senior expressed a hope that the King would attend 
public worship the next day ; " with pleasure," said the 
King, "provided you do not from the pulpit — which 
should be the holy place of eternal truth — breathe any- 
thing complimentary, or relative of myself. It is con- 
soling to me to know, that every Sunday in the churches 
of our country, whether Catholic or Protestant, our one 
and universal God is implored for blessings on me and my 
government; — anything further, would be sadly out of 
place — such inane absurdity I once for all peremptorily 
interdict ." 

Visiting a town which shall be nameless, — the Superin- 
tendent # read an inflated address : the King however 
suffered him not to finish, by turning displeased away, 
and saying to his adjutant, Colonel von Witzleben, 
" That's not to be endured ; the man is mouthing un- 
truths ! " Thereon, the King desired to have a list of the 

* The superior clerical officer of the place. 



38 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

persons invited to meet him at dinner ; and drew with 
his own hand, the pen across the superintendent's name. 

A talented young clergyman, who had the gift of 
oratory, was recommended by the proper authorities to 
fill the office of chaplain to a division of the guards. 
The King desired he should preach his probationary 
sermon in the Court and Garrison church in Potsdam,* 
purposing to be present. 

The candidate spoke eloquently on heroism ; as how- 
ever in due course of winding up, he proceeded to apply 
what he had said, to the King and the Prussian army in 
unmeasured terms of praise ; the King, who was other- 
wise noted for sitting still and paying undivided and 
devotional attentions, became uneasy, stood up, and 
surveyed the church. Afterwards he expressed to me 
his displeasure, thus, " That ecclesiastic has never made 
the Bible his study — at least he has not possessed him- 
self of its spirit ; otherwise he would have known that 
the Divine Word compliments not human beings. A 
clergyman who would make my soldiers self-sufficient — 
and thereby drowsy — is of no use." 

When the King and Family returned from Konigs- 
berg, he celebrated the Good Friday of 1810 by taking, 

* It may be thought strange that that Church is always so 
denominated, instead of by a saint's name ; — it never had a saintly 
patron appointed to it. — Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 39 

for the first time, after three melancholy years of absence, 
the Lord's Supper with his parishioners in the Potsdam 
church. 

The pious re-union of our country's King with his 
neighbours in a holy place, so filled all hearts with 
gladness, that I thought it right to utter a few words 
relating to past circumstances and the King's presence, 
in the most delicate manner possible. But even that 
displeased him. "I thank you, 11 said he, "for your 
sermon ; nevertheless I was annoyed to hear my name 
mentioned with praise when expounding the Divine 
Word." 

Even in short addresses, on occasions of family fes- 
tivals, such as betrothnients, christenings, and also at 
the Coronation and Order Festival, he forbade all per- 
sonal allusions, and thereby confined the speaker's ora- 
tory, — for exactly on such opportunities, delicate re- 
ferences to character and circumstance occasion the 
chief interest. I therefore made bold to observe, "that 
that festival, in its intentions, was a royal festival ; and 
that the reigning King, in his own person, was its centre 
and soul. If, therefore, one were not allowed to touch 
on past and present circumstances, connexions, and 
necessities of the times, wherein the whole point of such 
addresses lay, then would they lose all interest, by 
creating no sensation. " That must you," said the 



40 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

King, " as orator, having such difficult speeches to 
deliver, know best. But when you would make points, 
I must request that you will not especially and personally 
point at me ;" then amiably smiling, " if you must in- 
terweave some praises, — do pray be merciful with them." 

Nothing in him or about him was studied, nothing 
artfully adopted, no bridling up, as it is called: firm in 
body, mind, and intentions, he could, and dared do, 
what his heart dictated ; — ever the same, whether con- 
versing with the Emperor Alexander, or in his grey coat 
and field-cap pacing the quiet streets of Potsdam without 
attendant, or hastily placing, that he might not be ob- 
served, a piece of gold in the hat of a poor person stand- 
ing by the roadside. His ruling principles were never 
dependant on the changing temper of a mutable policy 
— never dependant on the now favourable, now unfa- 
vourable, influence of those around him, or occurring 
events ; yet truly was he — since there are circumstances 
happening in a King's life which are not always to be 
constrained — often forced to tack and accommodate 
himself to the times ; but in a purposed matter, which 
he was once convinced was right, real, and lasting, and 
more particularly so, if misfortune had etched it in, he 
was, one may say, obstinate and unmoveable, — and 
under no circumstances did he give it up. 

In matters of every-day life he was condescendingly 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 41 

tractable ; but when privy councillors and ministers in 
important affairs proceeded on principles opposed to his 
own, they could make nothing of him ; of which many 
examples might be offered. " Fear God ; act justly ; shy 
no man ; right must ever remain right, and at last be 
topmost ;" were the keen and sententious expressions 
we have often heard him use when weighty matters were 
under discussion. To sanction anything that was con- 
trary to his conviction, he called a sin which can never 
be forgiven. 

No potentate ever possessed, in a greater and fuller 
measure, the love and attachment of his people, and never 
did a ruler do less, by artificial means, to obtain that love, 
or gain popularity. 

Of such there was no trace in our King's conduct. 
The love and confidence of his people was his highest 
desire, his choicest good ; but the means by which he 
obtained it was to his dying day of a very different na- 
ture. Popular he was in the noblest and fullest sense, if 
under that word is meant feelings of honour and rever- 
ence, entertained by all classes towards the sovereign. 
Nevertheless, through his apparently morose earnestness, 
natural taciturnity, abruptness, and off-hand despatch, 
he was thought unpopular by those who saw him once 
and no more — an opinion often entertained and rashly 
promulgated. Taught by long experience of mankind, — 



42 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

that the generality, when seeking their own advantage, 
are feigning and importunate, he was in most cases 
unapproachable to personal and viva voce representa- 
tions, — and seldom granted those with supplications a 
private audience. He did not like petitions to be pre- 
sented to him in the street, and therefore refused to 
accept them, saying, " You know where I live !" 

On occasion of the King's return from St. Petersburg 
in 1818, he found the road in the near approach to 
Elbing crowded with people, who intended to take the 
horses from his carriage and draw him with huzzas 
into the town. His adjutant, General von Witzleben, 
who had preceded him, knowing that such servile 
demonstrations of homage would displease the King, 
exerted himself to prevent the well-meaning people 
from such like display of loyalty, but in vain ; they 
maintained it to be proper and suited to their feelings. 
When the King arrived, and was received by loud 
shouts, he thanked them most cordially. But when they 
began to unhook his horses, and saw the folk ready to 
draw his carriage, the King forbade them in these 
words, " It is beneath the dignity of man to do services 
which belong to the beast; my love for my subjects 
is too great to accept of such debasement." But these 
mild words did but animate and strengthen the masses 
in their purpose. The King now saw in their perse- 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 43 

verance, disobedience, and became vehement, — com- 
manding that those who resisted orders should be 
forthwith taken into custody. Several were arrested, 
and the West Prussian authorities put the matter in 
train before the criminal court ; but it was quashed 
by the King's word of mouth, who took "that oppor- 
tunity to make known, that he never would accept of 
demonstrations of attachment, in which respect for the 
dignity of man was wounded. 

Still more displeased was he when passing through 
another town. He was returning from Paris, incognito, 
and without attendants : — immediately on his arrival, 
he proceeded on foot, in his grey upper-coat, to the 
celebrated cathedral. In the mean time the news of his 
arrival had got spread amongst the people, and the 
town was in movement. Crowds traced him to the 
church, and in unison with their feelings, gave the 
King, who was earnestly contemplating the beautiful 
edifice,* a jubilating three times three. 

This display of homage, in a highly sacred place, 
vexed the King, and he loudly reprimanded them. 

His sympathy for the misfortunes of others was so 
lively, as to be, on all occasions, strongly depicted on his 
face ; — if such met his eye, he did not pass on to avoid 

* Probably Cologne.— Tr. 



44 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

unpleasant sensations, but instituted careful enquiry 
into all the circumstances, also as to the manner in 
which help, that was sure to follow, could be best 
administered. Having severely suffered himself, he 
poignantly felt for the guiltless sufferings of others, and 
delicately relieved ; in respect of such feelings, it is 
characteristic that he, although a great friend of the 
drama, had a decided disinclination for tragedy, which 
during his stay in Berlin and Potsdam was seldom 
performed. I have often heard him say, " Life has 
enough of tragedies ; there is no necessity for having 
them exaggerated on the stage, which on the whole 
blunts feeling; one ought rather to seek strength to 
oppose new troubles, by that which is cheerful. ,, 

His greatest regal burthen was what he called the 
" pitiable right of life and death.' Most reluctantly, 
and after much mental conflict, did he sign a death-war- 
rant; and the privy counsellor Albrecht informed me 
that it was always done with a trembling hand ; more- 
over, he would remain for some time afterwards silent 
and contemplative. He generally mitigated the sen- 
tence of death to imprisonment ; and when, owing to the 
weight of the crime, such was inevitable, he nevertheless 
required another report from the criminal judge, at 
the same time expressing a wish that some circum- 
stance in extenuation, might be discovered. Was such 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 45 

impossible, he put the matter from him, until he was 
repeatedly reminded thereof. He had one word for all 
subjects that pressed heavily on his soul, namely, " hor- 
rible," and it was uttered in a tone of anguish. 

From this psychological point of view, we may judge 
of the King's deportment on occasion of the famous 
criminal process against Fonk, condemned to death 
by the Assize Court : which sentence the King hesi- 
tated to confirm, because he could not convince himself 
of its righteousness. He had me summoned to his 
presence. I found the King pacing the room in great 
agitation, because of the accounts which had reached 
him, namely, that the plaintiff and other enemies of 
the unfortunate Fonk, overjoyed at the sentence of 
death, had sent out invitations for a ball. " Horrible !" 
shouted the King, M to rejoice that a human being 
should be condemned to death : when such feelings 
and expressions break forth, the passion of party-spirit 
governs — prejudicing investigation. Such joy is satanic. 
God forbid ! my conscience is against it," &c. &c* 

* P. A. Fonk, of Cologne, was charged with having murdered 
a Mr. Conen of the same place, on the 9th of November 1816 ; he 
was twice tried and acquitted : the 3rd of November, 1820, he was 
arrested again, and, on doubtful evidence, condemned to death by 
the Treves Assize Court, on 22nd of August, 1822. The king 
pardoned him in 1823, and moreover paid the whole of the law 
charges, amounting to above 10,000/. Fonk died in 1832. — Tr. 



46 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

This tenderness extended to men and things ; and, in 
his long reign of forty-three years, it often came into 
practice. The world is partially informed thereof, but 
the extent has never been made public. 

Myself, through many years, even to the end of his life, 
was constantly the instrument of his benevolences. He 
gave me permission to name the diffident house-poor of 
the town and my parish — and I forthwith received from 
himself or private chamberlain Wolter, later Timm, 
invariably more than requested. Often have I been the 
bearer of his gifts — carrying in his name help and 
comfort to the dwellings of poverty and secret sufferings. 
It was no agreeable affair when, at the request of the 
sick or dying, I had promised to thank the King for the 
received kindnesses, — because of the difficulty of enun- 
ciating their gratitude in such short and simple manner 
as to be agreeable to him. The most part, and even 
best of men, are pleased to hear expressions of thanks ; 
and their faces brighten up at grateful remembrance of 
favours. With him it was otherwise: he neither ex- 
pected, desired, nor tolerated acknowledgment of simple 
charities, — and his countenance became clouded when 
thanks were in a measure forced on him. 

The impoverished widow, — of a major in the army 
whom he had valued — was for many years the object of his 
benevolent care. When about to die, she communicated 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 47 

to me several commissions to the King, and I was forced 
to give her my hand as pledge that I would bear 
her grateful thanks to his Majesty for the kindnesses 
which she had unintermittingly received. After I had 
fulfilled my promise in a few simple words, he said, half 
turned away, "It is unpleasant to me to hear these 
things mentioned. The trifling good that may be in 
such matters is lost through much talk. You know the 
beautiful saying, • Let not thy left hand know what thy 
right doeth P" He then left me, evidently excited, at 
the same time passing his hand over his eyes to conceal 
emotion. I must add, that the widow left behind her 
several children unprovided for, besides poor relatives. 
The King ordered detailed enquiries to be made about 
them, whereupon he sent the required help — but chose 
in that instance another to be the bearer. 

One cannot say that his benevolences flowed from a 
joyous confidence in mankind : for the afflicting and de- 
jecting experiences of the year 1806, — when disloyalty, 
deceit, weakness, and forgetfulness of duty seized those 
in whom he had confided, and on whom he had lavished 
riches, honours, and dignities, — yet who in the hour of 
danger and necessity, treacherously abandoned him, — 
had weakened his faith in man ; and if later ex- 
perience of an opposite character again raised and 



48 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

cheered his confidence, there nevertheless remained in 
his soul the resonance of what had happened, and 
it cannot be denied that his caution often bordered 
on distrust. 

This approximation to distrust caused him to appear, 
so long as things and persons were new to him, reserved, 
distant, hesitating, and sometimes shy. It was, there- 
fore, characteristic to remark the measuring glance he 
cast towards those who presented themselves for the 
first time ; — he surveyed them from head to foot as 
though he would penetrate to their thoughts. Before 
he let himself into a conversation on the purport of the 
interview, he put out what I may call his feelers ; and 
if a chain of questions which he sent in advance was not 
clearly and promptly answered to his satisfaction, he 
broke off, fixing another day and hour for the business 
on hand. 

It was difficult to obtain his confidence — which could 
only be acquired by degrees; — he sometimes, with in- 
tentions of testing, gave commissions of a nature not 
likely to proclaim his drift ; — he directed his scruti- 
nizing eye towards mind and motive, and only when he 
considered that all was straightforward and upright, 
did he turn his heart towards the new candidate. 
Once possessed of his good opinion, one held it by 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 49 

frank and honest conduct, for ever : — then was his ear 
deaf to all inimical insinuations. 

His caution was eminently conspicuous when officers 
were to be chosen for important situations in the depart- 
ments of State or Church. 

Called on to recommend for a responsible ecclesiastical 
post an able and fully- qualified clergyman, — possessing 
the requisites of learned theologian, pulpit orator, and 
active man of business, — I consulted Drs. Knapp and 
Niemeyer of Halle on the subject, and at length pro- 
posed the one we jointly considered most fitting. How- 
ever urgently I supported my choice by applicable argu- 
ments, the King was by no means satisfied. " As to 
what relates to the proposed person's learning and 
scientific knowledge," said the King, " I must take 
the judgment of the learned men, who, better under- 
standing those matters, have recommended him. So 
far being in order, it behoves that I should know whe- 
ther the man is a true Christian, and his moral life 
exemplary ; — otherwise, talent and learning are un- 
available : for evil example destroys the good created by 
doctrine, and vexations and personal scandal follow ; — 
so that at last / am reproached for having nominated 
him. 11 * 

To such cogent argument I could merely reply, " What 
passes in the bosom of man, can be only known to the 



50 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

Omniscient — no mortal can be security for the con- 
scientiousness and moral rectitude of another : — never- 
theless, the recommended person has produced distin- 
guished testimonials from credible witnesses, as well as 
from all his parishioners." As I added, " Were I not 
to place faith in such vouchers, then must I place no 
faith in mankind.'" The King said, " As respects pin- 
ning one's faith on the veracity of mankind — there's 
not much to boast of in that quarter; my faith 
thereon is very shaky." The result was, that after 
the King had heard him preach, — neither his person, 
delivery, form, nor contents of his sermon pleased 
him, — and consequently he was not appointed. 

The miseries attendant on unsuccessful warfare, had 
been experienced by the King in manner and measure 
known to few ; he had drunk of the bitter cup to the 
dregs, — yet never was its bitterness imparted to others. 
His temper partook of earnest sadness, and in it he 
embalmed and preserved his mildness : therefore were 
his benevolences the result of reflection, not of momen- 
tary impulse. 

Often, when about to be sent on such gracious 
errands, I have heard him say, " God has helped me ; 
shall I not, with the powers which have been en- 
trusted to me, render help V In such spirit he thought 
and did. Walking along Potsdam High Street with 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 51 

a single adjutant, the latter would spring forward to 
disperse a swarm of joyous boys who were playing 
at top on the broad smooth flag-stones, thereby block- 
ing up the King's path ; but the King caught the ad- 
jutant by the arm, saying as he stepped into the 
carriage-way, " Have you never played at top ? — Such 
happy children must not be unnecessarily disturbed, 
and thereby grieved. Our youthful days are few! 1 ' — 
On another occasion, a handsome pastry-cook boy, be- 
longing to Potsdam, was carrying out a cake, when his 
foot slipping he fell, and smash went the dish; — he was 
bitterly crying, just as the King happened to pass. 
Without further remark, the King said to the boy, 
gently patting his cheek at the same time, " Come 
along with me !" The lad followed tremblingly. Ar- 
rived at the palace, the King desired a handsome 
dish and a large cake on it, to be brought from the 
palace confectionary, with which he gladdened the 
unlucky boy, saying, " More careful in future." Not 
long after, having desired inquiries to be made, — which 
turned out in the lad's favour, — the King ordered him 
to be placed under the palace confectioner. 

His Majesty, in officer's undress uniform void of 

star, whilst walking in Potsdam accompanied by one of 

his daughters, was followed by a poor boy who knew 

him not, and who had run beside them for some time 

e 2 



52 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

with a basket containing neat little purses, which ever 
and anon he presented ; begging hard that he would buy 
one. The supposed subaltern officer repulsed the child 
— who however continued to press a purchase. " Ah, 
Mr. Lieutenant, do buy one purse of me ; it only costs 
six groschen ;* — if you don't want one for yourself, you 
can make a present to the handsome lady who has 
hold of your arm !" Again repulsed, the little fellow, 
sighing from the bottom of his heart, muttered, " Well! 
we shan't have any dinner to-day." The King halted, 
and took from the urchin's basket six purses, putting 
at same time a double Fredericks d'or*)- into the child's 
hand. 

The lad eyed the piece of gold, and said, " Kind 
Mr. Lieutenant ! pay me rather in groschen, for I've 
no money, and can't give you change." Touched by the 
simple honesty of the child, who with innocent and 
open countenance looked up at him, — he inquired his 
name and condition of the family, and was answered : 
that his mother was a corporal's widow, with six children 

— that she lived in a garret at No. in Street, 

gaining a scanty livelihood by knitting money-purses. 
" Then go along home," said the supposed lieutenant, 
"and take the piece of money to your mother; — 

* About 9d. f About 36s. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 53 

I make her a present of it." Made fortunate by the 
gift, the poor family were about to partake of a frugal, 
though more ample meal than usual ; when, to their 
astonishment, one of the King's adjutants entered the 
cleanly apartment, explained the mystery, and discovered 
that the boy had spoken truth in all he told his Majesty 
— all which being confirmed by inquiries made in other 
quarters — the King had the younger children placed in 
the Orphan-house, and granted the widow a yearly 
pension of 100 dollars. 

The King's life was full of such traits of mildness 
and humanity; which if collected would give subjects 
for a large gallery of genre scenes, whereon the 
sympathizing eye would delight to dwell. Truly, if 
ever there was man or Ruler, to whom in the fullest 
sense, the beautiful saying, " Homo sum, nihil humani 
a me alienum puto," applied, it was to him. 

Mildness and delicate-mindedness are attributes not 
always meeting in the same person. There are benevo- 
lent, worthy, even-tempered men, of rough natures; 
persons who make no compliments, and are, moreover, 
abrupt in all they do and say ; — they willingly, readily^, 
and abundantly give; but having only the requested 
help — the circumstance in view — they are uncouth in 
the manner of conceding the boon. 

The good they do is from love of doing good, and they 



54 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

require no thanks ; but they accompany the munificence 
by marginal notes and exhortations. They help from a 
pure heart ; but they accompany the help by a some- 
thing that mars the beauty of the deed, and damps 
the grateful feeling. They raise, but at the same time 
humiliate ; by wounding — perhaps unintentionally — 
self-esteem and honourable intentions. One stands before 
such person, thankful and confiding ; but bend the eyes 
downward, and feel the preponderance of the donor. 
One is benefited, — but wish to be from his presence. 
One goes away relieved, — yet have lost heart, and desire 
to be far away. 

Frederick I., the father of Frederick the Great, was 
of a martial and Spartan nature, which in their metallic 
character petrified ; — yet was he a noble and excellent 
ruler, though often misrepresented. He was more 
feared than loved, because, with all his good qualities, 
he was harsh, obstinate, choleric almost to unconsci- 
ousness, severe, and not seldom cruel. All trembled 
in presence of that King, even those of his own family ; 
for even when in good humour and playful, he was 
dangerous. Every one honoured his firmness, justice, 
and benevolence ; but every one said, " Procul a Jove, 
procul a fulmine. 11 The people under him were con- 
tented, but not happy ; for the love that should emanate 
from the throne, filling all hearts with confidence, was 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 55 

wanting; — a timid, odious, distrustful manner chilled 
every one ; and the nation, although become powerful, 
felt itself far from buoyant and well ;— the flow of blood 
to the head was too strong. Pity ! that so excellent and 
richly endowed a ruler should have failed of the classical 
humanity of his renowned Son, — and the accomplished 
delicate-mindedness of Frederick William III. 

Examples will best make that reference clear and 
convincing. From the many which his life offers, I will 
relate a few, obtained from eye-witnesses, or which have 
come under my immediate observation. 

The Empress of Russia had presented to her revered 
father a beautiful Asiatic plant of brilliant colouring, 
and agreeable odour, — a flower until then unknown in 
Germany. It was entrusted, according to the directions 
of Humboldt and Lichtenstein, to the artistical court- 
gardener, Fintelmann, to be placed in the Palm-house 
on the Peacock Island, amongst other exotics. 

The King, always a friend to botany, took great plea- 
sure in this scarce plant, and named it after his beloved 
daughter, Charlotte ! Whenever he visited the Island, 
his first enquiry was, " How thrives my Charlotte T 
which naturally caused two-fold attention to the fa- 
vourite by the gardener. The public were permitted to 
visit the Peacock Island two days in every week during 
summer, and thousands flocked to that delightful spot 



56 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

to enjoy the privilege and inspect the choice collection 
of exotics. Who can describe the fright and anxiety 
of the careful gardener when he discovered that 
some one had plucked and borne off the flower held 
in such extraordinary estimation ! Irritated and pro- 
voked, he rushed through the crowds of visitors, eyeing 
each individual in hope of discovering the stolen jewel. 
After fruitless search, he fixed himself at the landing- 
place by which the visitors must return. He had not 
waited long when a young and well-dressed man came 
on, with the identical flower displayed in the button- 
hole of his coat, apparently unconscious of having done 
wrong. Seized and questioned as to the robbery, he 
excused himself on the score of ignorance, and sorely 
regretted the thoughtless deed. The deeply-offended 
gardener, who could not be propitiated, dragged the 
amazed stripling to his dwelling, that in the presence 
of three witnesses a protocol might be taken of the 
affair, and documentary laid before the King, as ex- 
culpatory of himself. His Majesty, ere long, came 
to the Island, and as usual asked " how thrives 
my Charlotte f" — the court-gardener, with tears in 
his eyes, related some of the particulars. Though 
evident displeasure marked the King's countenance, 
he calmly remarked, " It was unkind to deprive me 
of that small joy. ,1 — " There'll be no end to such 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 57 

conduct," said the angry gardener, " if your Majesty 
does not forbid the public visiting the island." 

" How can the public help," said the King, " that 
amongst thousands, an ill-behaved one should abuse the 
permitted liberty ? The island was not placed there for 
me alone ; you know I can only find time to visit it 
occasionally ; wherefore then these beautiful and quickly 
fading flowers, — am I alone to enjoy the sight of 
them V The gardener begged that the committed rob- 
bery might be examined into, and the offender punished. 
As he motioned to hand in the protocol, and was about 
to mention the culprit's name, the King abruptly stopped 
him, saying, " No, no, I desire not to know his name ; — 
I have an unlucky memory; — hereafter the man may 
have occasion to ask some favour, and his name causing 
me to recollect the unpleasant circumstance, tend to 
his disadvantage. No, no, forgotten is forgiven !" 

His strong memory he calls a misfortune, if it 
retain an unpleasant circumstance which might here- 
after prove disadvantageous, even to the perpetrator. 
Knowing the human heart, and the power of a bitter 
feeling, he wards off the temptation. He refuses to 
know the name of the man who had offended him, by 
destroying his simple joy — not from vexation, not 
disgust, not hauteur ; no, but because the remembrance 
might occasion a hurtful bias hereafter. 



58 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

This was not the result of studied reflection, but the 
rich booty of a severely-proofed life — his mind, his 
tact, his existence; and therefore was all belonging 
to him natural, and unadorned. The court-gardener, 
Fintelmann, further informed me, that the King ut- 
tered those sentences without marked intonation — as if 
it was a matter of course that the affair should be 
treated in that way, and no other. Breaking off, the 
King drew his hand over his face, and asked about 
something else ; — never was the vexatious affair again 
named. 

It is widely known that the King treated General 
von Kbckeritz with marked kindness and confidence. 
He loved him as a friend, and as Adjutant-General he 
was always about him. This delicate and intimate in- 
tercourse was of long standing, and became firmer every 
year — lasting until Kockeritz's death. It was grounded 
on sympathy of sentiment, and subsisted by their reci- 
procal feelings of uprightness and truth. Von Kbcke- 
ritz, without possessing distinguished talents and scien- 
tific knowledge, was a dignified man, of sound and clear 
understanding, who grasping all the occurrences of life 
on the practical side, tried them by the standard of 
public usefulness. Being no friend to abstract theories, 
he held experience of paramount value : and led by it 
and its analogies, he knew how to touch the mark, and 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 59 

to impart good and practical counsel. Without being 
phlegmatic, his whole being was qualified, calm, and 
free from movements of passion. He always preserved 
his earnest and friendly deportment, and well knew 
the ground whereon he stood. Nature had given him a 
form and physiognomy that beamed with good-nature. 
and a voice indicating true-heartedness and philan- 
thropy. Joyous with the joyful, and condolescent with 
the sorrowful, he never disturbed the condition of par- 
ties. He became easily intimate, and felt a pleasure in 
healing dissensions. Of good property — a bachelor, and 
simple in his mode of living, — he was generous almost 
to prodigality towards the poor and wretched. The 
greater portion of his kindnesses, however, were so 
silently practised, as to be only known since his death. 
His memory is dear to all who knew him. The King 
became attached to Kockeritz when only Crown Prince, 
and soon gladdened him with his confidence. 

How complete that confidence was, may be best 
drawn from a letter which the King, who was then 
twenty-seven, addressed to him on ascending the throne. 
viz., the 16th November, 1797, — so interestingly charac- 
teristic of the august penman, that, as a remarkable 
and authentic document, it must not be left unrecorded 
in this biography. 



60 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

The royal rescript is in these words : — 

" So long as I have known you, my dear Kockeritz — 
more particularly during the last years in which I have 
had daily opportunities of close observation — I have 
found myself more and more strengthened in the idea 
that I possess in you a man, who, by means of his noble- 
mindedness, correct discernment, natural understanding, 
firm character, and proved integrity, may be able to 
render me hereafter most distinguished service. On 
the above grounds, I feel justified in now investing you 
with my whole confidence. 

" I am a young man, who knows as yet too little of 
the world to depend on himself without fear of being 
deceived by dishonest men, notwithstanding every cau- 
tion ; therefore must advice be welcome to me when 
honestly meant. This good counsel I more particularly 
expect from you ; and I repeat again, on the grounds 
above stated. 

"I therefore beg that you will always remain my 
friend, even as you have been up to this time ; change 
not your manner of thought and action towards me, and 
be convinced that I will always remain the same, — be 
my title what it may. In my present position, I have 
greater need of a trusty friend and counsellor, than any 
man. Nothing, however, is more difficult to obtain. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 61 

How oft have not good-intentioned rulers erred through 
want of such, and how often has their choice turned 
out unfortunate ! That cannot be in respect of you ; I 
know you too well, and am therefore on sure ground : 
but permit me to put a question : ' Will you always 
remain the same as now 1 — always so think, always 
so act ! ' O, do so ! — not suffering yourself to be 
dazzled ; — but keep always on the straightforward path, 
not permitting yourself through false ambition, nor 
self-advantage, to be deluded, — nor let yourself be out- 
witted by false whisperings and fallacious representa- 
tions. 

" Avoid party-spirit, and act firmly according to your 
inward conviction, — that is, according to duty and con- 
science. Do not think, when you read this, that I have 
the least suspicion that you can possibly get into such 
bye ways. No, truly not ; I hold such to be impossible 
with you ; but history teaches loudly, that the best 
of mankind, when arrived at a certain height, become 
giddy, and are far from being the same persons they 
were. 

" Although you, according to inward conviction, feel 
such change to be impossible, delay not therefore to 
examine your motives and acts by these tests — remem- 
bering always that you also are man, and therefore 
liable to err. That you possess great knowledge of 



62 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

mankind, — namely, that you are capable of justly esti- 
mating their transactions, their deeds and omissions, 
I have had the opportunity of proving; — also therein 
must you help me. None err more in estimating man, 
than a born Prince; and such is very natural; for 
every one is habituated and zealous to put themselves 
off to the best advantage, sagaciously keeping out of 
sight their blemishes, — ever appearing to the Prince's 
eyes different to what they really are. The whims 
and preponderating inclinations of princes are soon 
learnt, and the clever man has no great difficulty in 
forming and adopting the most appropriate mask. 

" Therefore do I expect, that you will stilly, and 
without suffering it to be remarked that you have 
peculiar motives in view, cast about for brave, upright, 
and intelligent men ; — assay them, that I may know 
in what manner they can be made more available — or 
better rewarded. 

" You must also endeavour to find out what the pub- 
lic opinion is as relates to myself, my measures, and my 
purposes, — weigh those opinions, and if they have worth 
in your sight, then speak confidentially with such per- 
sons as you believe capable of conversing on the subject 
matter, void of prejudice and party-spirit, and who 
are likely to take a right view of things. But as every- 
thing has a good side and a bad side, — the circumstances 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 63 

must be nicely weighed, — so as to see which pre- 
ponderates; if the first, then be they brought into 
operation. 

" Crooked and unjust criticism, of which there is 
never any lack, may be best let alone; more espe- 
cially when such proceeds from persons who take an 
erroneous view of things, or are partizans, or have 
objects of their own, or who censure for the sake of 
criticizing. We must not suffer ourselves to be irri- 
tated on account of such observations, otherwise we 
effect nothing, and fail to reach the purposed object ; 
— shallow and impertinent judgments are inevitable. 

' ; Therefore one must always act from inward convic- 
tion of what is right and just, and, in the end, matters 
will accommodate themselves. 

" When you have made these discoveries, — then I 
expect of your honest-mindedness, that you will take 
a fitting opportunity to communicate to me your candid 
opinion. Be assured, that I will never undervalue your 
good intentions and intimations, — but endeavour to 
turn them to beneficial account. 

" Yet another weighty matter : and in respect of 
which I mean to avail myself of your services. After 
much pondering, I can hit on no better measure for 
establishing the disordered state of the finances on a 
well-regulated and firm system, than by selecting ex- 



64 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

perienced and clever men of business, to form a com- 
mission, which shall examine into all the brandies of 
internal government, and then report to me of the 
crept-in abuses, and of the best means of improve- 
ment ; that so I may further examine for myself, and 
make such changes as I think advisable. 

"It will be of the utmost importance, that in this 
examination-commission the members work in unison, 
and that no party-spirit be mixed up in it, and they be 
led wholly and solely by that which is for the welfare 
of the state ; — which object must be kept constantly in 
view, as being the only cause of their being constituted 
a Commission of examination. 

" But, inasmuch as experience has taught, that men 
of great talent seldom agree ; and that much which is 
disadvantageous occurs through dissensions, — and the 
good object often lost through the caprice of single 
members 

" For such president no one is more fitted than your- 
self. You possess the very character and temper requi- 
site for such post, therefore has my choice fallen on you, 
requesting you to observe the following : — You will be 
present at all the conferences, that you may be fully 
informed and master of the subject-matter discussed, so 
that you can concisely report the same to me. You 
know the direction of my mind ; should you therefore 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 65 

observe that they incline to go too far, and thereby 
risk failure of the good intentions I entertain, . . . 
and endeavour to reinstate unity. 

" Your straightforward understanding, good judg- 
ment and coolness, will be the best and readiest means 
thereto ; moreover, you possess the eloquence necessary 
for such object. 

" From all this you observe, that in future you will 
have a large sphere of action committed to your 
charge. 

" Continue therefore the same upright man you have 
hitherto been ; and, as an honest subject, give me at all 
times frank counsel. 

" You may then be assured of my fullest gratitude : 
at the same time bear in mind, that what you do, 
is not alone a favour done to me ; but inasmuch as 
I, to a certain degree, call on you in the name of the 
State, to be operative for its welfare ; you will here- 
after have the agreeable conviction and satisfaction of 
having assisted, not a little, in the weal and advance- 
ment of the nation, and thereby deserved the thanks of 
every well-thinking patriot. For a man of true honour 
and worthy ambition, there can be no greater or better 
reward. 

" Frederick William. 

" The \6th November, 1797." 

F 



66 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

This confidential rescript, even now, after a lapse 
of forty-five years, — when both the writer and the 
written-to have finished their earthly career, creates 
agreeable and honourable reflections. One sees clearly 
and pointedly the sentiments, purposes, and objects that 
filled the King's soul at the time of his ascending the 
throne. He knew and felt his high destiny, and was 
firmly determined to fulfil its duties ; — then twenty- 
seven years of age, and hitherto kept distant from par- 
ticipation in the business of governing, (State affairs,) 
felt the necessity of a trusty and honest counsellor ; 
and he found such in an acquaintance who had always 
proved worthy of his confidence. He pours out his full 
heart artlessly, and without reserve. On the one side, 
he, with humility, feels the limitation of his powers, and 
the necessity of help, — on the other, his regal strength 
and firmness of mind. 

So was he as royal stripling ; such as young man ; 
and so he remained throughout his eventful and gran- 
diose life. Such was the blossom, — since then we have 
beheld the fruit ; then was he beginning his historical 
career: and we have seen how afterwards he reached 
the hard struggled-for goal, and the starry crown of 
Fame. Honour also be to the man, whom he, in the 
fullest sense of the word, created his veritable privy- 
counsellor, — perchance in a more intense degree than 



OP FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 67 

was ever the lot of subject — and who knew how to pre- 
serve the honourable confidence to his dying day. 

Kockeritz accompanied the King after the destructive 
battle of Jena hi 1806, on his melancholy retreat to 
Konigsberg, and participated in the fears and oppres- 
sions of that fate-impending time. He staunchly stood 
by his side during those blows of destiny, and his 
purity of character, calmness, and mildness, had a 
balmy effect on the King's heart. 

In 1809, he returned with the King to Berlin and 
Potsdam ; and ere long had to participate in his Royal 
master's soul-anguish on death of the Queen. Thus, by 
degrees, did time jog on, until this honourable man 
reached the completion of his fifty years of faithful 
service. He had no desire for increase of earthly 
honours ; for, beyond the many Orders that decorated 
the breast of the Lieut .-General, he possessed what 
surpassed them all — the King's heart ! 

No friend at any time to honourings and display, he 
had carefully preserved silence as to the day of his fifty 
years' service ; little foreboding that the King had 
treasured the same in his memory, purposing to sur- 
prise him. Kockeritz's dwelling was well suited for the 
residence of a bachelor, near the Neustadt-gate, in 
Potsdam. At dawn of that day he was pleasingly 
f2 



68 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

awakened by the hautboyists of the guards playing a 
piece of choral music below his window, preparing, as 
it were, his mind for the solemnity of the occasion. 

Soon after, one of the King's adjutants entered his 
chamber, bringing him a royal rescript, in which the 
King, in intimate and kindly language, congratulated 
him on the day. " When I reflect," it said amongst 
other expressions, " on the manifold examples of loyal 
devotion and personal attachment which you have 
openly and honestly shown me for so many years, I find 
myself incapable of rewarding you in a manner suffi- 
ciently expressive of my perfect satisfaction and grati- 
tude. You have not, it is true, as has been the order 
of the day, served me with propositions, projects, 
theories, and plans, useless when brought to the 
standard of practicability, but with your rich ex- 
perience, which has proved of permanent help to me ; 
— moreover, during the whole of our intimate con- 
nexion, I have ever found you a man inspired by 
sentiments free from alloy, — a man whose intentions 
have been always straightforward and honest, fearing 
God, and doing that which is right. As a token 
of my esteem, I herewith on this the festival of your 
fifty years' service, confer on you the Order of the Black 
Eagle, and send you the Decoration, accompanied by 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 69 

my wish that you will wear it this day, and that you 
may for many years "be an ornament to it. Be ever the 
friend — of your most sincere friend. 11 

At ten o'clock the King's adjutant and several 
generals then in Potsdam made their appearance, for 
the purpose of conducting him to the Lustgarten; 
where Kbckeritz was not a little astounded to find 
assembled, in parade uniform, the regiments of the 
Guards, — as well cavalry as infantry. 

The King was already on the ground wearing all his 
orders. Having placed Kbckeritz on his right hand, 
and the General Field-marshal on his left, His Majesty 
stepped forward and gave the word of command himself, 
a circumstance which rarely happened. All the troops 
filed past the astonished and excited veteran, and as 
they passed, amid the thunder of drums, trumpets, 
and cannon, the colours of each regiment were waved. 
The King, for a reason which will anon appear, pro- 
longed this splendid military review. 

When finished, the King, after a few impassioned 
words, embraced his old, tried, and respected friend, in 
sight of all the troops and the crowds of assembled 
people. After that the generals and other high 
officers in the state had wished him joy, the King 
said, " Now, my dear Kbckeritz, in the first place, 
we mean to conduct you home, — afterwards, take 



70 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC, LIFE 

lunching with you." Kockeritz had never been mar- 
ried, and though his house contained many good sized 
apartments, and an ample dining-room, it was not 
so domestically arranged as to admit of entertaining a 
numerous company on so short a notice — in fact it was 
impossible, and easily accounted for — inasmuch as he 
had for many years taken his dinners and suppers with 
the King. 

The first surprise being over, he was inclined to treat 
the King's expressed intention of lunching with him as 
a good-natured joke ; — but when he found it was meant 
in earnest, he experienced the most painful embarrass- 
ment, — he deprecated the intended honour, — an honour 
which had never happened to any one before, in the most 
obligatory language ; all which the King good humour- 
edly turned off by saying, "No, no, it is decided, — 
Gentlemen, we accompany Kockeritz home, and take a 
comfortable breakfast with him. ,, 

" It is really impossible,'' 1 said the embarrassed Kocke- 
ritz; "my confused bachelor-economy is not in a fit 
state for any such thing." " Why are you not mar- 
ried, then ? " retorted the King ; " I have often joked 
you on that head; now it is too late, — you shall there- 
fore be punished for the omission to-day." " If it must 
be so," said Kockeritz in a sorrowful half tone, " I must 
at least beg of your majesty a delay of four hours, that 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 71 

I may make the necessary dispositions — there's nothing 
in the house! — and all my rooms are in disorder; — I 
cannot possibly receive your majesty instanter" " Eh, 
what ! " said the King, " a lieutenant-general will surely 
have a crust of bread and butter and a glass of wine to 
offer us I — it's all settled ! w then turning to his suite, 
" Come along, gentlemen ! " — The whole party put 
themselves in motion through Broad-street to the 
Neustadt-gate, Kockeritz all the time in a most dis- 
agreeable agitation, not seeing how the thing could be 
managed. A deep sigh escaping him ; — the King 
jokingly said, " You are rightly served ; it would have 
been infinitely more agreeable to be received by a 
handsome hostess attended by her children. — Well, we 
shall see what's to be had at the old bachelor's, and 
endeavour to treat him as mercifully as possible." 

As they approached the house the royal party were 
greeted by drums and trumpets, and a crowd of the 
servants of the palace in their gala-liveries were discern- 
ible. The steps leading to the door were strewed 
with flowers, — the dining-room and adjoining chambers 
tastefully ornamented, — the table elegantly spread, and 
decorated with costly porcelain — whilst a valuable ser- 
vice of plate covered an abundance of smoking dishes. 

The King, on entering the dinner-room, turned to 
his attendants, and said, with peculiar good nature, 



72 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

" Would you have surmised this of Kockeritz 1 — he 
said there was nothing prepared, and we find all charm- 
ingly arranged !" He then took his tried friend by the 
hand, and placed him next to himself, — the rest were 
soon seated, and joy and gratitude filled every heart. 

When the dejeuner a la fourchette was finished,* the 
King said, " Now, my dear Kockeritz, since we have 
breakfasted with you — you, and the rest of your guests, 
must make it convenient to dine with me. But, inas- 
much as we have done justice to your hospitality, the 
dinner shall be ordered for a later hour than usual ; 
and in the mean time, we will take a drive into the 
country." He then invited Kockeritz into his own 
carriage, and resuming his natural sombre-silence, re- 
quested him to recount his early history ; — he did so, 
mentioning by name his early friends, of whom, only a 
small remainder were living. 

In a few hours, they arrived at Neugarten, where 
the company were already assembled : but who shall 
describe the amazement and transport of the honest 
veteran, when he beheld on entering the banqueting- 
hall, the only three surviving friends of his youth, whom 
the King had managed to bring together from distant 
places, and who now stood with open arms to receive 

* It will be understood, that, as a matter of course, the china, glass, 
silver service, &c. was a present from the King to the jubilated host. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 73 

him \ — an exhilarating scene from the realities of human 
life. 

The King's eye rested on them, whilst a ray of 
satisfaction, at all having so well sped, enlivened his 
countenance. Then, that the hearts of the four old 
warriors of the Seven Years' War might revive, he 
ordered the band to strike up the exhilarating " Des- 
sauer March ;" and at table, where Kbckeritz and his 
friends sat near him, the King successfully awaked 
merriment and good humour. 

Be it understood, that the King, knowing from for- 
mer recitals, all the incidents of Kbckeritz's life, and 
the names of his remaining early comrades, had, under 
command of secresy, invited them to the festival some 
days before. 

Generally speaking, all who participated in the King's 
esteem and confidence, clung to him with unbounded 
devotion ; none, even intimates after many years 1 inter- 
course, ever committed an obtrusive familiarity : and his 
trusty servants who felt themselves free in his presence, 
were, by the calm power of his sombre-mildness and 
strict morality, kept, as if instinctively, within their 
respective limits. 

General von Kbckeritz, who belonged to my parish, 
and with whom I was on intimate terms, has often told 
me, that during his many years of confidential inter- 



74 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

course with the King, he had never seen or heard an 
action or word that could for a moment lessen the pro- 
found and respectful esteem he had for him. 

An official, who had rendered good service to his 
country, and on that account highly esteemed by the 
King — died. He had, partly through the position he 
held — more perhaps from inclination, kept an expensive 
establishment, and loved the joys of the table. The 
worthy man had not been buried many weeks, when 
several chests of first quality Champagne, containing 
1,000 bottles, arrived in Berlin, in pursuance of -a pre- 
vious order — invoiced at two dollars per bottle. The 
commission-house in Berlin duly informed his son and 
heir, who lived in the country, of the circumstance, 
and the amount of invoice and charges. After much 
correspondence, the son did not find it convenient to 
accept the wine. The agent laid the matter before 
the King, and petitioned His Majesty to purchase the 
choice wine for the royal cellar. At first the King 
frowned; but quickly recovering his placidity, said 
to his private chamberlain Timm, " I cannot permit a 
scandal to sully the fair name of that statesman. The 
wine he ordered must be paid for — I shall pay the 
merchant on account of the deceased ; — but, doing so, 
the wine will become a portion of his property, and 
belong of right to the heirs ! — so be it. I charge you 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 75 

to see the affair arranged.'" That took place : the 
merchant was immediately paid, and the son received 
the wine his departed father had ordered. 

This delicacy of feeling became with time an habitual 
portion of his being, accompanying even reproof. At a 
court- dinner, the ambassador of a great power, seated 
opposite him, allowed himself to speak of a meritorious 
Prussian officer recently dead, as were his services very 
problematical, thereby casting a shade o'er his memory. 
The King looked earnestly at the speaker, and said, 
" Would you express yourself equally disparagingly of 
the deceased were he alive \ — absentees, not being able 
to defend themselves, ought not to be attacked ; least 
of all, one who stands before the Omniscient Judge : — 
the person you have censured, was better known to 
me, — he deserved well of his country, and I honour his 
memory." 

In that year, 1818, when hearts were still full of the 
late victorious times, — the Dowager Empress of Russia, 
Maria Feodorowna,* finding old age advance apace, had 
visited the country of her birth ; and from Stuttgart 
announced her purpose of visiting the King on her 
return to Russia. 



* She was a Princess of Wurtemberg, and the widow of Paul, Emperor 
of Russia, consequently the mother of the Emperor Alexander and the 
present Emperor Nicholas, and much beloved for her many virtues. 



76 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

To our King she was peculiarly endeared, because of 
her motherly love to his daughter, then Grand Duchess, 
now Empress of Russia. 

To show the illustrious lady, during her presence in 
Potsdam, a signal mark of his grateful esteem was his 
heart's desire. 

Fortunately, it so happened, that the imperial mother 
had fixed on the 23rd of December for her arrival in 
Potsdam. The 24th was Christmas Eve, and also the 
birth-day of the Emperor Alexander. This happy coin- 
cidence determined the King to celebrate the natal day 
of his friend, relative, and ally, by a religious festival, — 
which proved most unexpected and comforting to the 
pious heart of the imperial mother. 

The King sometimes took pleasure in operating a 
surprise ; on such occasions, he knew how to mask his 
purpose so well, that the parties petitioning have left 
his presence thinking the boon all but refused : having 
put aside the application by the laconic remark, " the 
thing is hardly feasible !" when, in reality, acquiescence 
was only suspended until he thought the moment arrived, 
in which the recipient's joy would be greatest. 

From amongst numerous examples I will produce 
one, relative to the University of Halle, and its then 
Chancellor, Dr. A. H. Niemeyer. 

Niemeyer had been long personally known to and 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 77 

esteemed by the King, — even since the time of his 
passing through Halle with the Queen — soon after 
ascending the throne — on which occasion he alighted 
at his house, and visited the Orphan Establishment and 
Pedagogium. As a mark of his great confidence, he 
had granted him the diploma of Consistorial-councillor, 
with a seat and vote in the ministry for conducting 
Ecclesiastical and School affairs. When weighty mat- 
ters were about to be discussed, Niemeyer was spe- 
cially summoned to attend, and the King placed great 
reliance on his opinions. 

When, in 1806, Napoleon possessed himself of Halle, 
Niemeyer was offered the honourable appointment of 
Upper Consistorial-councillor in Berlin ; and later — on 
occasion of founding the University — that of Professor 
of Theology. He declined both, because he felt it to be 
his duty to watch over the interests of Franke's esta- 
blishment, of which he was the director. From the 
rank he held, he was qualified, and chosen one of the 
Deputies in the newly-erected Kingdom of Westphalia ; 
and as such, often visited Cassel, where he became 
known to King Jerome and his ministry, more particu- 
larly to John Muller; and therefore had many oppor- 
tunities of benefiting Halle, the town of his birth, in 
respect of its scientific institutions ; that he did so 



78 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

honestly, cheerfully, and disinterestedly, facts and docu- 
ments have amply revealed. 

But Niemeyer experienced the lot of most distinguished 
men ; — their names have to stand the brunt of evil and 
good report, they are loved and hated, honoured and 
derided, praised and reproached, exalted and trodden 
under foot. Niemeyer was charged with an ambiguous 
tergiversation, in unworthily approximating the new 
Napoleon Dynasty ; he was publicly and loudly charged 
with lending a barbaric hand to the destruction of the 
Pedagogium belonging to the cloister in Berg, and 
annihilation of the University of Helmst'adt. 

But when it was known that he had received the order 
of the Westphalian crown from King Jerome — and 
actually wore it — his opponents became more bitter ; and 
his after-deportation from France, by order of Napoleon, 
did not mitigate their anger — for they only saw in that 
arrestation and removal, the just punishment of his 
vanity and double-tonguedness. 

The King, inaccessible to slander and calumny, par- 
ticipated not in the prejudicial judgment passed on 
Niemeyer by his opponents — on the contrary, he held 
firmly to the favourable opinion he had previously formed 
of him. After the glorious termination of the war, when 
matters were brought back to their old standing, and all 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 79 

acquired fresh life, the King gave Niemeyer his former 
unqualified confidence, and confirmed his appointment to 
the Chancellorship of the University in Halle, made 
during the Napoleon domination. What more particu- 
larly caused the King to retain his good opinion, was 
the losses and sufferings Niemeyer had undergone in the 
last seven years, owing to his strenuous support of the 
establishment founded by A. H. Franke : for the King's 
piety sympathised with the Christian spirit, which that 
celebrated man had breathed into his institutions. The 
King honoured and wished to preserve them ; therefore 
did he refuse all propositions for erecting new educational 
buildings, declaring that it was better to assist those 
which were preserved,* than to found others, that 
might prove problematical. At Niemeyer's instigation, 
the King gave large sums for the re-establishment of 
those in Halle, so that Frederick William III. may be 
said to be the second founder of the A. H. Franke's In- 
stitutions. At that time Niemeyer often came to Berlin 
and Potsdam, and the King gave him long private au- 
diences; he was a man, who from personal appearance, 
learning, manners, and temper, was well fitted for the 
highest society. 

* Until the downfall of the Napoleon Dynasty, the Town and 
University of Halle were under Jerome, forming part of the king- 
dom of Westphalia. 



80 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

On the morning of the 29th March, 1827, Niemeyer 
entered my room, saying, " God be with you, my dear 
friend ! — I have a weighty matter at heart ; therefore 
am I come, — I want your counsel and help. For many 
years I have thought on, and wished that the King 
would graciously please to present Halle with a Univer- 
sity similar to those in Berlin and Bonn, namely, that he 
would give us the necessary funds for suchlike building. 
You know our old tumble-down place of study, the here- 
tofore Weigh-house ? — I once hinted the matter to His 
Majesty, but he did not take : now, there is a good occa- 
sion for putting the affair in motion again. Next 18th of 
April, God willing, is my academical jubilee. I desire 
for myself no honorary distinction or pecuniary increase ; 
I have enough, and more than I have deserved, and am 
besides, near the end of my career ; — but I should be un- 
speakably delighted if the King, in his great graciousness, 
would make my jubilee the occasion for presenting to 
our University such a building in sempiternam memoriam . 
How is it to be brought about ? You are friendly to 
Halle, and speak in enthusiastic terms of the happy days 
you spent when studying there ; therefore you must 
assist me : I hear the King is now in Potsdam. How 
can we best get at him V 

After we had talked the matter over, I wrote to Privy 
Councillor Albrecht, and requested he would obtain a 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 81 

private audience for Niemeyer. The King did not con- 
sent thereto ; but had us both invited to dinner. This 
made Niemeyer apprehensive, and doubtingly ask, "how 
will it turn out T* — I replied, "you must delay to prefer 
your suit until after dinner, when it is the King's custom 
to converse singly; — we will isolate ourselves, taking 
position in the recess of one of the distant windows in 
the great audience-hall, and await the favourable mo- 
ment : in such spot I have preferred many a petition 
with happy results — in this instance let us hope the 
best." 

The next day at the appointed hour we arrived toge- 
ther at the palace, and found in the assembling-room a 
brilliant company. When the King entered, on seeing 
Niemeyer, he welcomed him, extending his hand : a very 
unusual courtesy. 

At table, the marshal seated Niemeyer opposite the 
King, who directed his chief discourse to him ; amongst 
other things asking of matters relative to Halle. Nie- 
meyer's eminent talent for social conversation deve- 
loped itself most amiably; he knew how, with adroit- 
ness, to improve any observations that dropped from 
the King by agreeable remark, and to dilate, without 
losing the thread of the conversation;— he told lively 
anecdotes of his deportation-journey under Napoleon ; 
spoke intellectually on the properties and constitution 



82 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

of Oxford University, and was withal so unembarrassed, 
and happy in the choice and timing of his observations 
— at the same time so courteous in manner and ele- 
gant in diction, — that the King listened to him with 
marked pleasure. 

After dinner we placed ourselves in the appointed 
recess. Before long the King approached us with 
visible good- will, saying to Niemeyer, " you have greatly 
interested me — I thank you ; — what do you bring to 
Potsdam? 1 ' — " Alas," replied Niemeyer, "' I bring no- 
thing ; I would willingly take something from Potsdam 
—a royal favour !"— " Well, what is it V With the 
utmost reverence, but at the same time with manly 
worthiness and position, Niemeyer in a subdued voice 
petitioned for a royal donation to build a substantial 
University in Halle ; which he backed by such con- 
vincing reasons, that his address evidently made a 
favourable impression on his Majesty. 

Therefore was the King's sonorous reply unexpected : 
" If I remember rightly, you have spoken to me on this 
subject before; perhaps some new and more urgent 
cause has arisen V 

"May it please your Majesty — the most urgent 
cause," replied Niemeyer, " is the approaching 18th 
of April, on which day I shall have been 50 years at 
College. For myself I have nothing to ask or wish, — 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 83 

for, through God's mercy and your Majesty's kindness, 
I have been loaded with undeserved favours. But for 
the University, which purposes to celebrate my jubilee, 
I hope for the gracious vouchsafing of the petitioned-for 
royal boon. Your Majesty's gracious gift would immor- 
talize the festival, and fill all hearts with joy and thank- 
fulness. 1 ' 

The King's countenance brightened, — in a reflecting 
manner he placed his hand to his chin, and drawlingly 
said, " so, next 18th of April ! — I congratulate you from 
my heart, and wish you many happy years to come. 
Well," he continued pleasantly, " so the short meaning 
u of the long address is, pecunia : — you see I know a 
little Latin. One of my ancestors was wont to say: Non 
habeo pecuniam. The erection of a university, if it is 
as it should be, costs much money ; — the matter is 
hardly feasible !" — " But it brings a blessing," said 
Niemeyer ; — I added my grateful testimony in favour of 
Halle. The King however did not enter further into 
the affair, but closed the interview by abruptly leaving 
us, — dismissing the company soon afterwards. 

Niemeyer looked woe-begone, and sighed out, " Oleum 

et operam perdidiV" — He seemed inclined to give up all 

hope, for the damper placed on his jubilee-harp had 

unstrung him. " What will my colleagues in Halle 

g2 



84 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

say, who, acquainted with the object of my journey, 
hoped with myself for a more propitious result !" — 

Not long after, I was commissioned by Minister Alten- 
stein, in name of the ministry for ecclesiastic and edu- 
cational affairs, to proceed to Halle, and present to 
Niemeyer, on the festival of his jubilee, its salutations. 
Eight days before the festival, the King said to me, 
" When do you purpose arriving in Halle." I answered, 
" If not earlier, certainly two days previous to the 18th; 
because by witnessing the preparations, I shall acquire 
the proper festal humour for concocting the speech which 
the ministry expected me to deliver on that occasion.'' 1 

" Good," rejoined the King ; " I thought you might 
possibly be journeying later ;" hastily adding, " a pleasant 
trip to you — greet Niemeyer in my name." — I felt I could 
not urge anything relative to the University-building. 

On my arrival I found every one joyfully occupied, 
preparing for the festal 18th, — save the professors, who 
deplored the non-attainment of a royal grant, — which 
would have made the occasion remarkable. 

But who shall correctly depict the joyous amazement 
of all on the night of the 17th ? — a courier arrived from 
Berlin, bearing a Cabinet rescript for Niemeyer, in 
which the King cordially wished him joy, adding : " that 
for the erection of an appropriate building for the Uni- 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 85 

versity, he had granted 40,000 dollars.* — Niemeyer read 
the royal rescript again and again, with emotion and 
tears of joy, — and his assembled friends, with hearts full 
of thankfulness, struck up the precious old chaunt : 
Domine, fac salvum regem ! 

The preparations proceeded joyously, — and the Uni- 
versity, and all the towns-people of Halle, felt them- 
selves honoured, endowed, and gladdened through Dr. 
Niemeyer. Thus, at the right hour, — in the most 
appropriate moment, the King granted what he had 
before waived, with seeming disinclination ; that he might 
make the favour he intended more pleasing through sur- 
prise ; — the solicited posy was not to fade and lose its 
sweetness by several weeks' exposure, but to be presented 
on the festal day with the pearly dew of morning on it : 
when he reflectively said to Niemeyer, " So, on the 18th 
of April, 11 he had already made up his mind as to how 
and when he would vouchsafe the boon requested. 

Yet one proof of the King's premeditated and con- 
siderate delicate-mindedness, — in itself embracing all 
that I have offered on that head — remains to be told : 
it proves that such was not a quickly-passing flash of 
feeling or lively fancy, as with most men ; but a firm 
and deeply-founded characteristic, evidencing how calmly 

* This sum was greatly increased during the building. 



86 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

he could entertain an intention, years before manifesta- 
tion. 

I have long doubted of the propriety of making the 
circumstance public — inasmuch as it intimately relates 
to myself; but as the alto-relievos of the King's 
character throw into shade the bas-relievos of others — 
and as twenty-four years have already elapsed since 
the circumtance happened, and I moreover become a 
greybeard of seventy- three years,* when the prismatic 
colourings of vain life lose their brilliancy at the near 
prospect of the tomb ; — I will not depart from this world 
without increasing thereby my sacrifice of reverence and 
gratitude, to the manes of the immortal King, for the 
delicate kindness and grace — infinitely beyond my poor 
deserts — which he displayed towards me for thirty-five 
years, — even to his death. 

In the year 1815, I felt that the conditions of my 
service oppressed my mind ; not so much from the 
quantity, as from the multiplicity and heterogeneousness 
of the official duties committed to my charge, — which, 
rendering my time and powers fractional, brought on a 
sadness until then unknown to me. 

As Court and Garrison preacher, and pastor of a re- 
spectable and numerous parish, — besides constant visitors 

* Probably written in 1842. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 87 

— I had every alternate Sunday to do service in the 
church, morning and afternoon — daily to instruct a mul- 
titude of children in the principles of Christianity — to 
manage the church property — to appoint thereto offi- 
cials, — and take care of the poor. The inspection of 
preachers and governesses for the widow Institution 
was also my affair, and that brought me into a perma- 
nent exchange of letters with expectant clergymen and 
governesses belonging to the province. I took part 
also in the pedagogic business of the great military 
orphan-house, and was superintendent, and Consistorial 
councillor in the government of the province : — this 
portion of my functions it was — although undertaken 
with ardour — which chiefly oppressed me, — for it alone, 
if duly attended to, would have amply engrossed my 
time. 

A new life had been thrown into the church and 
school affairs, through the direction and labours of the 
excellent presidents, von Bincke, von Bassewitz, Maas- 
sen, — and the upper Consistorial councillor, Natrop, 
who, working thereon with power, endurance, and devo- 
tion, had incited his colleagues to unceasing exertion. 
Notwithstanding all my endeavours, I could make no 
advance; for although I took a lively interest in the 
matter itself, I found the forms, and all therewith con- 



88 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

nected — such as dry voluminous acts, tables, controls, 
revisions, re-revisions, long sittings and debates, — so 
contrary to my nature, that I felt harnessed, and laboured 
invito, Minerva. 

Cleaving to the origin of the Christian Church and 
her apostolic formation with love and attachment; I 
felt no sympathy for such bureaucratic machinery ; — 
certain, should the Master of the Church hold visitation, 
he would, as heretofore in the Temple, overturn the 
tables and drive out the traders. 

With affright I was aware, that the calmness pro- 
duced by undisturbed ascetic study, refreshed by soli- 
tary country walks, — which previously in Hamm, and 
in the commencement of my appointment to the cure 
of souls in Potsdam, had caused me to go through my 
duties with animation and joy, abated ; so that what was 
once to me a lively desire, became alas ! a forced obli- 
gation. I strove against the feeling ; but if I succeeded 
in bringing back genius enough to pen a sermon, it was 
forced away again by interruptions and annoyances 
incidental to so complicated a service. A review of 
a volume of my sermons, published about that time, 
remarked, — " The author of these Pulpit Addresses 
preached better sermons in Hamm than in Potsdam, 
In those one could see the out-gushings of an overflowing 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 89 

heart ; in these nothing but homilistic studies." The 
critique saddened and humiliated me, because I was con- 
scious of its truth. 

A cloudy hypochondriacal state of mind ensued, in- 
creased by the residue of a nervous fever, which I caught 
whilst visiting the hospitals. The post of a country 
clergyman had ever been the ideal of my wishes, and my 
desire for more quiet and simpler appointment amounted 
almost to yearning : but, just at this time, through a 
sudden death, the place of fourth chaplain in the Cathe- 
dral in Berlin became vacant. As such chaplaincy 
promised a more homogeneous and less occupied life, I 
determined to ask of the King the presentation. 

Not without long and painful conflict with myself 
could I decide. The office I held in the Court and 
Garrison church was of greater emolument, and had 
personal preferences, — inasmuch as it is a royal endow- 
ment, — the King the absolute patron, and the Eccle- 
siastical minister, de jure, the only mediate authority. 
Add to which, the church in Potsdam, since its erection 
by Frederick William I., has ever been the reigning 
King's place of worship, so that its chaplain, in an evan- 
gelical sense, is the King's father- confessor. Moreover, 
Frederick William III. felt attached to that fabric, 
attending it regularly every Sunday, even in winter 
leaving Berlin for that purpose. Throughout the coun- 



90 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

try there was no better church patron, and the King 
was always satisfied with my unworthy endeavours. 

To be translated to Berlin I should therefore sacrifice 
many privileges. But what are externals, if joy of office 
is wanting ? — my hypochondriacal state of mind repulsed 
contentment ! 

In those days I looked through a clouded glass ; and 
the advantage of a comfortable glebe-house, with plea- 
sant garden reaching down to the Havel, was no 
longer regarded. I required and sought inward peace 
from outward position, as if true happiness were only to 
be found in that direction. 

With anxious expectation I looked forward to His 
Majesty's reply to my request ; for owing to the regu- 
larity the King had introduced, a Cabinet answer usually 
followed in eight to twelve days. Four weeks elapsed 
without my receiving a communication, although in 
the mean-time I had had several royal mandates to effec- 
tuate in respect of ecclesiastical matters ; — moreover, the 
King had attended church as usual ; — but I was no longer 
invited to the royal table. From the privy-councillor, 
Albrecht, I learnt that no such document had come before 
him, — and I might therefrom infer that my petition had 
been displeasing at head-quarters. 

I could remain no longer in suspense, — so requested a 
private audience of his Majesty, which was granted ; 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 91 

but, instead of being immediately conducted into the 
King's apartments by the adjutant in attendance as 
heretofore, I was shown into the audience-hall, and 
desired to wait. At length the King entered, and 
eyeing me from head to foot, spoke as follows : — 

" I have purposely held back my answer to the paper 
you sent, in hope that you would reconsider the 
matter, and withdraw the petition. Is it still your will 
and wish to be appointed to the cathedral in Berlin? 
The clerical gentlemen there advance by seniority as 
vacancies occur, which is only fair ; consequently, you 
will be the junior — namely, the fourth. Here you are 
the first ; reflect therefore on what you are doing I' 1 
I replied, " May it please your Majesty, my humbly 
presented petition is free from by-considerations of 
ambition or avarice ; were such my views, I should desire 
to remain in Potsdam, for I shall be a loser by the ex- 
change. But as I am convinced that thereby I shall be 
a gainer in respect of internal calmness and joy ; and 
through the greater simpleness of my official duties there, 
regain that power of unity which my present complicated 
and heterogeneous service has deprived me of; — I still 
entertain my well-considered wish." 

" That wish," said the King sternly, " proceeds — to 
be candid with you — from commodiousness. Diversity 
of employment is no proof of heterogeneity. You may, 



92 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

and ought to bring all your varied occupations under 
the one head — ' churchly piety' — and then you will find 
the homogeneous unity you so much desire. Manifold- 
ness and variety if properly divided, compartmented, 
and worked upon with calmness, will combine, and 
produce in the end harmonious unity : but thereto exer- 
tion and perseverance are requisite, which should be 
evinced so long as one is capable. You are still in your 
best years — amongst the forties ?— But you are hypo- 
chondriacal, and deceive yourself relative to your 
position here, and what it may be in Berlin. I mean 
well towards you. Your desire to be translated to the 
cathedral is a mental maggot. You will repent of it. 
But man's will is — at least for the moment — his heaven ; 
you shall have the appointment." 

With that the King departed — shutting the door in a 
louder manner than usual. Confounded, humiliated, and 
alone in the great hall, I could have wept ! — So had I 
never seen the King — so had I never heard him speak ! 
If in private life it is painful to have been the cause of 
aggravating and filling with displeasure a noble-minded 
person, whom one honours and loves — it is frightful and 
truly dejecting, when such happens in the delicate rela- 
tionship of sovereign and subject. However severe and 
displeased the King appeared to be, it was still evident 
that his anger proceeded from a kindly feeling, and that 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 93 

he wished me well. I felt deeply afflicted, and would 
probably have requested permission to withdraw my 
petition — had he given me opportunity, by not leaving 
the hall so precipitately. 

Now it was too late ; the dice were thrown, the matter 
decided; — and in four days I received from the Minister 
of State my appointment. 

After I had engaged a commodious dwelling in Ber- 
lin for my family, and imparted my changed position to 
the venerable Bishop, Dr. Sack, and my other friends, — 
I started off for the place of my birth in the province of 
Mark, in pursuance of the physician's advice, and my 
long- cherished desire ; and there I sojourned happily for 
several weeks, surrounded by my relatives and former 
acquaintances. 

Who can explain what in that spot can be 

That so attracts — that so enchanteth me ? — 

Is't that the air is sweeter — sky more clear ? — 

The fields more green ? — or boyhood-haunts more dear ?* 

Atmosphered by the breath of love, friendship and 
truth, — at home, encircled by my former parishioners — 
and those whom in my early manhood I had instructed 
in virtue ; I felt free from all that oppressed and limited 
intellect, and truly enjoyed myself both in body and mind. 

* From the Codrus of Cronigk. part I., page 185. 



94 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

The dark clouds dispersed, and I was refreshed. But 
ere long I began to reflect on the past, and to look into 
the future ; — often employing my thoughts with the 
question, " Hast thou not done wrong — thus self-suffi- 
ciently to meddle with thy course of life and destiny V — 
and I felt the inward monitor say, " Thou wilt run from 
God's school ; that will never do V 

In this uneasy state of mind was I, when on a serene 
summer morning, — being at that time on a visit to a 
friend who resided in Haram — I chanced to open the 
Bible at the 28th chapter of Isaiah, and I cast my 
eyes on the 16th verse, — reading to the end of the 
chapter, I was particularly struck with the latter part 
of the 16th, 19th and 29th verses. As I ponderingly 
repeated the w r ords, " He that believeth shall not make 
haste, " a messenger sent from where I usually sojourned, 
delivered to me a letter just arrived by the post. It was 
a Cabinet rescript ; the contents as follows : — " The 
enclosed original petition contains not only the desire 
of the parishioners belonging to the Court and Garrison 
church, but also of the citizens of Potsdam in general, 
that you would return to your former official church 
duties ; and not think of changing them for those of the 
Cathedral in Berlin. With pleasure I am acquainted 
thereby, that your ministration has not been without 
advantage, and a blessing; — I therefore consider the 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 95 

giving up of old and tested connexions — which carry 
with them respect and confidence, for new combinations, 
whose results may be uncertain, a matter for grave 
consideration. You will act advisedly to remain in 
Potsdam." 

Feelings of astonishment and gratitude seized me ; — 
the letter fell from my hands; and deeply affected, I 
stood in earnest counsel with myself. It was more than 
I could have thought, hoped, or expected ; — such kind- 
ness I deserved not ! — Although I felt conscious of having 
honestly fulfilled, according to my poor abilities, the 
duties committed to my charge, I nevertheless thought 
my then ten years' cure of souls in Potsdam, and 
my intimacy with parishioners and towns-people, were 
circumstances of too isolated, distant, and cold a nature 
to occasion such great personal interest in my change 
of clerical position, and residence. What I did for the 
town in the unfortunate years 1807, 1808, and 1809, 
was small in comparison of the aid rendered by 
humane persons in distant parts, # consequently I 

* The author, in those years, published and widely disseminated 
several ascetic trifles and single sermons, for the benefit of the 
suffering inhabitants of Potsdam, who, under the oppressive weight 
of the French soldiery, had become so poor, that every fourth man 
was a beggar. In consequence, unexpected support came in from 
all parts of Germany, particularly Frankfort, every month, so as 
to reach the monthly amount of 5,500 dollars, wherewith, under 



96 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

believed my agency to be long forgotten. — I felt thank- 
fulness towards them ; — and in the King's gracious 
communication I recognized and honoured a command, 
which should govern my conduct; the powerful word 
of God was before me — "He that believeth shall not 
make haste !" # To remain, to labour on with fresh 
strength, and to bear with resignation the bitter and 
oppressive, was my determination. With renewed 
health I hurried back to Potsdam — with much emotion 
thanked the King for his graciousness, — and on the 
next Sunday I preached before my parishioners. 

About the end of 1817, the aged and venerated Bishop 
Sack died. Of all the clergymen belonging to the mo- 
narchy, Bishop Sack, as successor to his celebrated 
father, had been for a series of years more the intimate 
of Royalty, than any of his predecessors, or likely to 
be the lot of any future Court chaplain. He had bap- 
tized, instructed, confirmed, and married the late King, 
— baptized all the royal children born in Berlin; and 
lastly, instructed and confirmed the Crown Prince, 
our now beloved Sovereign. 



the management of the " Poor-Directory," a Rumford soup-esta- 
blishment was erected, and a large proportion of the miserably 
poor supported. 

* " Wer glaubet, der fliehet nicht." — As usual, Luther's version 
is clearer, and more nervous than our English translation. — Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 97 

Sack enjoyed the King's full confidence, — possess- 
ing all the qualifications requisite thereto in a high 
degree. He was a learned theologian, firm and positive 
in his faith, yet liberal and mild in the practice of it, — 
withal frank and bold in avowal, when the rights of 
the Free Evangelical Church required defending. He 
courageously opposed the Examination Commission 
under the Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs, WSllner ; 
and declared openly and freely that, as an honest man, 
he could not sympathize with the promulgated Religion- 
Edict, because he found its formal limitations incom- 
patible with the Gospel ; and as his remonstrances 
proved unavailing, he requested, though then in his last 
years, with manly strength and spirit — his dismissal.* 

* This frankness and indomitableness of character he inherited 
from his deceased father and predecessor, who having to christen 
a child of Prince Ferdinand's for whom Frederick the Great stood 
godfather — the monarch said to Sack when all was ready. ** He 
may begin, but mind he cuts the homily short !" That baptismal 
address, although short compared with what was usual in those 
times, proved nevertheless too long for Frederick, who ceased to 
give it his attention, — talking rather loudly to the princes standing 
near him. What did Sack do ? He fixed his eyes on the King 
and stopped — remaining silent so long as the King continued to 
talk to his neighbours ; — all present were astounded, and thought 
some bodily cause was the reason. Frederick asked : " Is anything 
the matter with him ?" — Sack answered calmly and firmly, yet 
in excited tone, " It is the duty of a servant and subject to be 
silent when your Majesty speaks." Frederick felt the rebuke, 
and replied, " Well, let him leave off growling, and bring the 



98 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

It was found, in respect of public opinion, as expressed 
in Berlin and throughout the country, relative to this 
revered man, unadvisable to accept of his resignation ; 
the matter was therefore arranged, by releasing him 
from all responsible participation in that portion of 
the affairs of the Church, as was contrary to his con- 
scientious opinion. 

One of the most remarkable and last of Bishop Sack's 
clerical duties, was the confirmation and consecration of 
the Crown Prince; memorable on account of the poli- 
tical moment when it took place — namely, the 20th 
January 1813, in the palace at Potsdam. 

The King's determination, with God's help and his 
people's loyalty, to throw off the French yoke was fixed 
although not promulgated, — and at that moment about 
to be acted on : — for, on the 22d January, two days after 

matter to a close !" But Sack began the address again at the be- 
ginning, and delivered it with dignity and serenity, no longer inter- 
rupted by the King. As according to the baptismal ceremony, the 
babe must be held by Frederick, — the King advanced rashly with 
the child in his arms, but coming too near the wax candles, which 
were numerous on this occasion (owing to the many royal god- 
fathers and godmothers present, who each held one), the fringes of 
the babe's dress caught fire, — which however was quickly extin- 
guished by the ladies in waiting. Frederick, intent on revenging 
himself on Sack, and not unapt at biblical texts ; after the cere- 
mony was over, said : " Does he see, he baptized with water; I with 
fire." Sack retorted, looking steadfastly at the eagle-eyed King, 
" Yes, your Majesty ; but not with the fire of the Holy Spirit." 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 99 

the confirmation of the Crown Prince, the King — not 
without great personal danger, surrounded as he w r as 
on all sides by French soldiery — left Potsdam with all 
the Princes of his house, for Breslau in Silesia ; which 
he intended should be the focus for assembling and 
organizing his army : his Guards having orders to follow 
shortly afterwards. The confirmation of the heir-appa- 
rent therefore took place, when it was about to be 
decided whether the monarchical throne of Prussia 
should be further abased, perhaps abolished — or re- 
stored to its former strength. 

All who were invited to the ceremony — viz., ministers, 
generals, privy-councillors, clergy, &c. &c, — felt the 
solemn occasion, and the profound meaning of the holy 
business under such circumstances. 

The Crown Prince stood beside Bishop Sack at the 
altar, — the whole royal family forming a half circle, in 
the centre of which was his august father, — and every 
eye was directed towards the royal stripling, then 
seventeen years old. 

The Prince answered the questions put to him 

frankly and firmly ; and as one could evidently see, not 

so much from memory of what he had learnt, as from 

presence of mind and own opinion. Sack, systematically 

proceeding with the train of fundamental truths of 

Christianity, and advanced to the provings under the 

h2 

LrfC 



100 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

head of Faith and Divine Providence; — put this 
question to the Crown Prince : " And how should this 
faith in God's all-encompassing, all-wise, and kind 
government of the world, operate on you under the 
present dark and mysterious epoch V 

The Prince, feeling the immense importance of the 
question, and what depended on the avowal, heroically 
answered : — 

" This faith — should and will exalt me, strengthen 
me, and give me confidence ; — firmly and serenely I 
believe in Him who said : ' Hereunto, and no farther ! — 
here shall thy proud waves be stayed.' I believe in 
the All-Righteous, who suffers the holy light to break 
joyfully on the upright heart. The aurora of a happier 
day appears. I hope with a gladsome confidence that 
an Almighty and Gracious God will be with my royal 
father, and with his house, and with his loyal people. 
Amen." All present were electrified, and deep emotion 
was relieved by tears. 

The culminating point of the holy festival had arrived ; 
therefore Sack, with his usual correct and pure tact, 
perceiving that anything further would be comparatively 
flat and ill-timed, merely added to the Prince's 'Amen P 
a pathetic prayer, and gave him the benediction; — 
thereon, the consecrated heir-apparent fell with childlike 
piety on the affectionate breast of his agitated Father. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 101 

The following day, the Crown Prince received the 
Sacrament, and the day after, they departed for Bres- 
lau, — resolved to struggle to the last with the powerful 
Oppressor of nations. 

After this episode, I come back to what occurred on 
Bishop Sack's death, showing how the King, had long 
purposed a benevolence towards myself. 

Whether the title of Bishop conferred on Dr. Sack 
was a personal favour intended to cease with his death, 
or to be carried over to other members of the National 
Evangelical Church in succession, was problematical. 
The former opinion appeared likely, as the King said 
nothing to the Minister for Ecclesiastical Affairs, on the 
subject. 

Who can describe my surprise, when I received, on 
the 18th January 1818, a Cabinet rescript, appointing 
me Bishop in the Evangelical National Church! — 
Habited in my official dress, I went to the King, on 
his arrival in Potsdam. Entering his cabinet, he 
addressed me in the following words : — 

" So have I wished, and long intended. But you 
almost deprived me of the satisfaction, when a few years 
ago you would resign your duties here, for an appoint- 
ment in the Cathedral. Had that your urgent desire 
been consummated, this could not have been brought 
about, for as fourth Cathedral preacher, I could not 



102 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

have created you Bishop, without wounding the feel- 
ings of other worthy men. By remaining in Potsdam, 
and succeeding to the more important position, the 
matter became regular; more particularly so, as you 
are in service and age, the senior of those in the 
Cathedral. To have told you earlier of my intentions 
would have been against my principles, since everything 
in life depends on connecting circumstances, which time 
alone developes. Several years are elapsed since then, 
and I am satisfied with your exertions, and the assist- 
ance you have rendered me in respect of the Church- 
union. Also, the deceased Bishop, on his death-bed, 
informed me through the privy-councillor Albrecht, that 
he wished me to appoint you his successor ; moreover I 
yesterday received a letter, signed by many clergymen 
belonging to your native province, expressive of their 
joy at my election having fallen on you. All this is 
very agreeable and comforting to me ; it now rests 
with you to justify my choice. As my personal Bishop, 
you will approach me nearer than heretofore, and I shall 
make use of your services in all clerical affairs coming 
immediately before the cabinet : — on that subject you 
may speak with Albrecht. From this you will infer that 
my favour has been, and still is, towards you. I see 
you are excited ; take good heart, and trust in God. 
Henceforth, you may frankly and honestly tell me the 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 103 

dictates of your heart ; — we will commune together, and 
all will go well.'' 1 

With that the King quitted the room, and I was glad 
to be alone ; for I was completely unstrung. Now 
could I look back with thankfulness, and clearly see how 
my gracious Master had long meditated on benefiting me, 
even then, when I unwittingly strove against his good 
intentions. Is it possible for a noble, high-minded father 
to treat an opposing son with greater kindness and for- 
bearance than in this instance the master displayed 
towards the servant, the King towards the subject ? — 
The depth and treasure of his noble and generous cha- 
racter was unveiled and open before me. From that 
moment my whole heart's gratitude was his ; my full and 
unqualified confidence was dedicated to him : and in 
cases when he appeared to me incomprehensible, I 
suspended my judgment, quietly awaiting the issue ; 
and never, during a thirty-five years 1 experience, have 
I found my faith in him shaken. His keen insight 
into matters was clearer and deeper than mere poli- 
tical understanding is capable of; for then, when com- 
binations and calculations arrived at a stand-still, there 
dwelt in him a higher presentiment of the forthcoming, 
and therewith a resignation and tranquillity, that enabled 
him firmly and calmly to investigate ; in every instance, 
he knew how to await the appropriate time for develop- 



J 04 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

ment. The pulsation of his heart was delicate-minded- 
ness : and from that source arose his magnanimity. 

Of the noble virtues possessed by reigning monarchs, 
magnanimity appears to me to be that which costs 
least, and is most easily attained : by birth and position 
raised above others, they are free from the movements 
of envy, and its secret promptings and grievings, — for 
they come not into collision with the wrangling passions 
of man. They neither know nor experience what other 
classes of mankind are unavoidably, and permanently, 
doomed to undergo in their transactions with their 
fellow-men : — surrounded by a crowd of devoted attend- 
ants and servants, — what they hear is for the most 
part the agreeable : even should adverse opinions be 
publicly expressed; they remain for them a secret, if 
within the fine and well-masked influence of intellectual 
flatterers. Does however, under circumstances of such 
watchfulness and limitation, aught intrude to excite 
their anger — it more generally relates to matter, than 
person : — so situated, it is no great affair to show mag- 
nanimity. 

The important truth, that Providence working silently 
and for the most part unremarked by us, moves worldly 
circumstances, — is sometimes peculiarly visible. 

Who could have surmised that the most abasing 
epoch in the King's life, embraced in itself a rich fruition 



A 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 105 

for the future ; and that just then, a man should present 
himself as co-operator, who, of all others, best suited 
the King's individuality ; and who possessed the ability 
to nurture the germing seed of state-regeneration, that 
lay in the heart of the heavily-tested Monarch ? 

If the then mighty Napoleon, carrying in his bosom 
the harassing inmate of all usurpers, was so quailed 
and hunted by secret fear, as to demand and obtain 
as a condition of peace, the dismissal of the minister, 
v. Stein, whom he foresaw might be dangerous to him ; 
he nevertheless had no presentiment of the hidden 
treasure that was concealed in the heart of a single- 
minded clergyman in Kbnigsberg,* whose name, had it 
reached the ears of the despoiler, would have been 
thought unworthy of his scorn and derision. 

The road to the exalted height which he eventually 
reached, was long, steep, and thorny ; such as few 
kings have trodden : and the measure of his bitter 
trial was so great, and upheaped, that we have no 
standard by which it can be correctly estimated. By 
the battle of Jena the whole monarchy was shattered, 
and fell into fragments, without the power of self- 
support. Everything rocked, as if undermined by a 
frightful earthquake, and the burst-out hurricane bent 

* Dr. Borowsky. See Religious Life and Opinions of Frederick 
William III. 



106 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

and uprooted those who until then were believed to be 
loyal, and stout-hearted. Of the tactics of Frederick 
the Great, there remained nothing but the dead letters 
— the spirit was long flown — yet on his victorious wreaths 
had the nation, with vanity and arrogance, gone to 
sleep. The delusion, and the thereout springing pre- 
sumption, had reached all grades, more particularly the 
chiefs of the army. At the marching out of the troops 
from Potsdam, in 1806, I remember a colonel saying 
to me, " It is a scandal, for the hero-army of Frederick, 
to march against the French with guns and swords ! 
cudgels were sufficient to beat them back;" and on 
my modestly remarking, " one should not estimate the 
enemy too meanly !" his brusque impertinence was very 
offensive. No wonder that Napoleon, knowing with 
whom he had to deal, was confident of victory ere the 
battle commenced; — the day before, when surveying 
the Prussian army and position from a height, he scorn- 
fully cried out, " Ha ! ces peruques-la, ils se tromperont 
furieusement." — The most unheard-of cowardice and . 
dereliction of duty ensued; thousands of armed Prussians 
were seen running away from as many hundred French- 
men ; every pass and military position was abandoned, 
and the fortified cities were an easy booty. The 
Commandants of fortresses, — whose names until then 
had been mentioned with reverence and confidence, — 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 107 

men who had been advanced to dignity, and loaded with 
gifts and estates, — were so heedless of duty to King and 
country, and in several instances, to the remonstrances 
of honest citizens, and even the huffings of an indignant 
soldiery, as to surrender, with abundant materials for 
defence at command, without firing a shot. No, never 
was a noble, just, and mild king so egregiously deceived ; 
or ever vile one, treated with such black ingratitude and 
disloyalty : in respect of the construction of his upright 
and deeply-feeling heart, none ever suffered more and 
longer. 

To the sorrows springing from general calamity, 
were added innumerable instances of indirect and direct 
personal affronts and injuries; not from the victory- 
intoxicated enemy alone, but shamelessly from his own 
subjects, — even from those, who, as his attendants, 
had stood near his person. The beau-ideal of monar- 
chical greatness, as respected the past, present, and to 
come, was for them the victorious NajDoleon, — and they 
felt a satanic pleasure in slandering, through the press, 
the already bowed Emperor of Austria and King of 
Prussia, — be-praising him. Even John M tiller, the 
celebrated author of the History of Switzerland, — sur- 
named the German Tacitus ! threw up the honourable 
post of Prussian Historiographer in Berlin for an ap- 
pointment in Cassel, under Jerome Buonaparte, — and 



108 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

then penned a dirge over the Prussian monarchy, as 
were it ended. At this epoch a German university, 
which shall be nameless, presented in the name of all the 
Faculties, on Napoleon visiting it, a superb celestial 
chart, on which his name was given to one of the stars 
of first magnitude ! 

It was a crushing time ; yet, supported by the counsels 
of v. Stein, and the holy confidence of the ecclesiastic 
Borowsky, the King saw in the character of passing 
events, hieroglyphics of the future. One bright star 
remained above the horizon, silently heralding the ap- 
proach of better times — the star of the unchangeable 
attachment, loyalty, and devotion of the people to their 
rightful sovereign. Under the word people, is to be un- 
derstood, though not exclusively, the respectable class of 
citizen, yeoman, and peasant, which in its compact mass 
constitutes the fundamental strength of a country. 
Therefore have all discerning and wise rulers, such as 
Frederick the Great, endeavoured in the first instance 
to possess themselves of the goodwill and confidence of 
that grade, by making their advancement and welfare 
the main object.* 

* This was evidenced in a peculiar manner by Frederick the 
Great during the Seven Years' War. After a battle in which that 
King lost many men the province of Mark made itself renowned ; 
— thence the Hellengers in white — the Sauerlanders in blue jack- 
ets, — each with a rye loaf and ham on his back and oaken staff 



OP FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 109 

Notwithstanding what they gave, did, and suffered 
from 1806 to 3 810, they never wavered in their loyalty 
to the King ; never did they lose their firm belief in the 
return of happy times, but remained staunch under 
every pressure : all this was known to the King through 
a thousand secret and trustworthy channels, and it con- 
soled his heart more than the flood of detracting libels 
teased and distressed his mind. 

The most shameful, false, and daring ones, were a 
publication, entitled, " Confidential Letters," and a pe- 
riodical, called the " Firebrand.'" The public voice 

in hand, — all sons of well-conditioned burgesses and yeomen, — 
marched off by batches of a hundred at a time, to search out the 
distant head-quarters of their royal father, Fritz ! When the first 
batch presented itself before Frederick, he said, " Where do ye 
come from ?" " From the province of Mark." " What do you 
want?" "To help our King." "I did not summon you?" 
"So much the better!" "Who recruited you?" "Nobody." 
" Some one must have sent you ?" " Yes ! our fathers." " Where 
is the officer who conducted you?" "We had none." "Who 
commanded you then ?" " Ourselves." " How many deserted 
on the way ?" " Deserted ? — if we had been capable of that, we 
should not be what we are — volunteers !" 

The eagle eye of the monarch glared with joy on those trusty 
sons of Prussia. " You are welcome, my valiant men !" shouted 
the King, " Brave, upright Markers, I can depend on you." 
That royal expression is still treasured throughout the province as 
a holy saying ; its sound is continued from generation to genera- 
tion, and lives at this day in the breast of every high-minded 
Marker, who dwells on the borders of the rushing Lippe, Ruhr, 
Lenne, and Volme, I had this anecdote from the mouth of 
Othmer Wiese — one of the first batch of volunteers above 
mentioned. 



110 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

(though unjustly) accused Colonel von Massenbach of 
being the author. 

Colonel von Massenbach was undoubtedly an in- 
teresting and intellectual man ; brought up in the school 
of Frederick the Great, he was, as was his colleague, 
General von Ruchel, an enthusiastic admirer of that 
King ; and whatever history had developed of glorious 
regal deeds, he saw and honoured in the person of the 
sage of Sans-Souci. Nothing was right in his eyes save 
what had emanated from him, and to preserve everything 
in form as he had ordained, was the object of his pen 
and acts. He therefore felt happy in being of the 
general staff, — and as a matter of course the rigid 
military discipline of bygone-times was retained as a 
holy relic ; but full soon was the sorrowful discovery 
made that the battle-field of Jena was something very 
different to parade in the Lustgarten at Potsdam. 

Massenbach's moral strength gave way, — the until 
then mettlesome man fled from the enemy ; and the 
large corps d^rmee entrusted to him, he cowardly sur- 
rendered at Prenzlow to an inferior French force.* He 



* The Bishop might have added — again without firing a shot ! — 
the very gentle way in which he records the base surrender at Prenz- 
low — in my opinion the most disgraceful and untoward event sub- 
sequent to the battle of Jena — is more than remarkable. But his 
" almost daily intercourse" with one who had " dipped his pen in 
gall" and vomited " bitter reproaches " against the Good King he 
had betrayed — is to me unaccountable ! — Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. Ill 

now went from one extreme to the other, and found in 
the great Napoleon his long-worshipped Frederick, — 
honouring in him the renovator of a diseased, and, as he 
called it, a " rotten state of things." His former love 
for the Prussian state went over to antipathy ; he did 
not go, as others did, to the King in Konigsberg — but 
returned to Potsdam, and dipped his pen in gall. 

At this time, 1807, I had much intercourse with him, 
and he called on me almost daily, although we differed 
in politics wide as the poles; — often desperately quarrel- 
ing, — the King coming in for his bitterest reproaches. 

He held the Prussian state to be irrecoverably lost, 
and was of opinion that its heretofore greatness was 
alone the work of Frederick II.; that it was all over 
with Prussia as a kingdom, and that if the mighty con- 
queror, in his new arrangement of worldly circumstances, 
treated it with generosity — it could only be permitted to 
remain a dukedom. 

This had become a fixed idea with Massenbach, and 
he proclaimed it with the flaming enthusiasm of a mad- 
man. Starting from false premises, which had become 
axioms to him, he arrived at monstrous conclusions ; 
which dictated the most unheard-of propositions. He 
read to me one day a representation addressed immedi- 
ately to the King, in which he in eloquent diction 
expressed his opinions on the situation of affairs. 



1 ] 2 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

It ran thus : " After the misfortunes that had occur- 
red, Prussia could not stand alone ; it must have a sup- 
port. In Russia and Austria there is no safety ; for 
neither of them meant honestly and uprightly towards 
Prussia : that the only radical point of safety was un- 
qualified submission to France and its wonderful Ruler ; 
that everything depended on propitiating him, if all was 
not to be lost. But to bring back the vanished spirit of 
foresight and courage, there must be placed as President 
in every province, and as General to every Prussian regi- 
ment, a native Frenchman — chosen by the Emperor 
Napoleon ; and as pledge of the King's honesty of in- 
tention, the Crown Prince of Prussia was to be sent to 
Paris, — that he might be brought up under the invigo- 
rating influence of the Emperor, " &c, &c. 

" How, Colonel?" cried I, enraged, "you a Prussian 
officer, and a member of the General Staff ! dare to of- 
fer that to your King ! Do you not feel that such act 
would be the height of insult and mockery ?" " Not 
at all," replied Massenbach, vehemently. " It is my full, 
upright, and well-pondered opinion. There is no other 
mode of salvation. Whoever means honestly towards the 
unlucky King, as I do, must open his eyes for him. 
Give me candle and wax — my seal I have ; it shall to the 
post directly." " God forbid," I exclaimed, " that such 
an infamous communication should be sealed in my 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 113 

glebe-house. 1 ' " Sir, 1 ' cried he, "you, are also fumbling 
in Egyptian darkness I 11 — He left in choler, slammed the 
door, and I firmly believed he would never more cross 
its threshold. But at the end of three weeks he again 
came, greatly altered in tone and manner ; he said, " My 
upright intentions are wholly misconstrued. There ; 
read the King's answer ! " It was short, and to the fol- 
lowing effect : 

" Your counsel was not required : — You have to 
answer for your dastardly conduct at Prenzlow !" 

A painful silence ensued, which Massenbach ended 
by saying, " The King does wrong in rejecting my ad- 
vice ; — but his reproach is just. One way remains, — I 
will write to the minister, von Stein, and send him the re- 
pulsed representation, for reconsideration and reflection. 11 

"To minister von Stein? 11 I observed. " The hater 
of the French, — he who, with Germanic energy, has 
made it his lifeVproblem to oppose their abominable 
usurpation V — " So was he, 11 replied Massenbach ; 
" but he is no longer of that mind. His cataract is 
pierced ; he now comprehends the epoch, and its juve- 
nescent tendency. 11 I remarked, " Beware Colonel, that 
that keen-minded man don't pierce you I 11 — But he re- 
jected the hint, and posted his letter. 

When next he called, he was under considerable ex- 
citement; and with the word " Infamous, 11 threw a letter 



114 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

on my table. "Read minister von Stein's answer!" 
The contents were — 

" Inasmuch as I do not stand on the pinnacle of in- 
tellectuality, so as to grasp your grandiloquent and 
daring ideas, nor in a political position to give them 
birth, — I return the same under cover, as being wholly 
worthless ; and am with profound respect," &c, &c. 

" Is not that enough to drive one to desperation V 
cried he, pacing up and down the room. " The King is 
serious and honest in his answer; but that fellow is scorn- 
ful and sarcastic ." Such was Massenbach when he left 
Prussia to reside in Stuttgard, on the return of the King 
to Berlin, in 1809. 

Instead of resignedly settling down, and, by virtue of 
his powerful mind courting philosophy, he with fretful 
impetuosity wrote "Memoirs of Frederick William III. 
— relating to his person, house and court." In that 
disgraceful work, he poured out the vial of his wrath in 
slanderous stories relative to the King ; and moreover, 
dared with recreant hand to attack the pure character, 
and spotless life, of Queen Louisa. Most astonishing ! 
he sent the calumnious manuscript to the King, with 
the notice : " that he proposed having it printed and 
published ; but that being in want of money, he would 
destroy the work, provided the King would give him a 
larger sum for it than he had been offered by a publisher 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 115 

in Tubingen." If Massenbach, calculating on the King's 
unbounded kindness, (which he had often experienced,) 
expected his Majesty would accede to such a proposi- 
tion, he judged most superficially ; for he ought to have 
known that there are attacks and insults which the 
noblest mind cannot forgive. 

In this instance the King remained true to his mild 
and earnest character ; and refraining from any precipitate 
and passionate step, which in this case would have been 
almost justifiable ; he sent the libel to the Minister at 
War, with this remark : " that inasmuch as he, together 
with his deceased consort and royal house, had been 
grossly wronged, he would abstain from giving judgment 
himself on an affair so personal ; but required that a 
searching and impartial examination should be instituted, 
and the result laid before him." The court martial sat, 
and the unanimous verdict was, " That the heretofore 
Prussian colonel, von Massenbach, is by law and this 
court adjudged guilty, — and condemned to imprisonment 
for life in a fortress. Massenbach, who was then at 
Frankfurth-on-the-Main, was, after the necessary legal 
procedure, arrested, and by the Prussian military con- 
veyed to the fortress of Glatz. The King however mi- 
tigated the penalty to a fixed number of years. 

About the end of the year 1826, the worthy son of 
that unfortunate father, together with his excellent and 
i 2 



116 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

pious mother, came to Berlin, and expressed to the Ge- 
neral Adjutant, von Witzleben, their wish " to have an 
audience of the King,' 11 on his replying ; " such could 
hardly take place, the King being confined to his bed by 
a recently broken leg, and forbidden to speak to any 
one, save his doctors and immediate attendants," young 
Massenbach remarked, he was sorry for it, inasmuch 
as he was come in his father's name, to express deep-felt 
thanks to the King for restored liberty. 

" What?" — exclaimed von Witzleben, with astonish- 
ment, " your father no longer in the fortress of Glatz ! — 
where is he then ?" " At home with his family these 
eight days." " By whose command?" " His Gracious 
Majesty, the King's." " Strange ! I know nothing of it, 
although all Cabinet-resolves, relating to the military, 
pass through my hands, — and since the 14th December, 
when the King broke his leg, he has kept his bed, and 
been incapable of writing ; besides, he doubtless would 
have mentioned the circumstance to me ; I must there- 
fore hesitate to believe what you say !" As young 
Massenbach persisted in his story, Witzleben looked 
critically at him, dubious whether the misfortunes of the 
father had not turned the brain of the son — but when 
he repeated the story, with its special combinations, 
Witzleben said, "It is possible that Cabinet-councillor 
Albrecht, may know something about it : — come with 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 117 

me, we'll ask him !" But the scene continued, for 
Albrecht was equal ignorant on the subject. 

I chanced to be sitting near the sick Monarch's bed, 
when General von Witzleben entered, and recounted the 
particulars. A blush came over the King's pale cheek, 
as he said, " The matter is even so; he has told the 
truth. About a week ago, being in pain and enduring a 
sleepless night, I ruminated on the multifarious past, 
when Colonel Massenbach came across my thoughts, and 
his image, hitherto so repugnant to me, presented itself 
to my mind under a more agreeable aspect. At last I 
dozed off. When I awoke, refreshed by the sleep I 
had supplicated, the sun was shining on my bed, and 
I desired writing materials to be handed me, and imme- 
diately wrote — that there might be no discussion — to 
the Commandant of Glatz, authorizing him to set Colonel 
Massenbach at liberty. — I will not see the son ; it would 
embarrass him — I dislike tableaux ! — but tell him, — 
I wish that his father, in the re-union with his family, 
may enjoy repose and happiness ; — be all forgiven and 
forgotten !" — an instance of true magnanimity. 

As General von Witzleben was leaving, the King 
motioned me to remain. I expressed my delight at the 
noble and christianlike conclusion of the affair. " What 
is therein particularly noble V replied the King ; " I have 
only done what every Christian should do : — outward 



118 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

circumstances may assist. Sickness and disasters pre- 
pare the mind for milder judgments." The venerable 
Hufeland now enterecf — and as I retired, I may safely 
say that in body and soul, I bent before my august 
and christian Master. 

The King sometimes showed buoyancy of spirit, — and, , 
under happy circumstances, even an inclination for plea- 
santries. Such happened when beside the lively and 
graceful Queen, whose quick turns and witty sallies, which 
I may justly call " dance of ideas," gave her ever the vic- 
tory : — or it took place when with his intellectual chil- 
dren. His attendants held themselves aloof from remark 
on such occasions, remembering that the line of demar- 
cation is delicately drawn in that sphere, and the adage, 
" It is unadvisable to eat cherries with Potentates." 

Many anecdotes exist of the King's readiness at re- 
partee — I will relate a few. 

A farce was brought out at the theatre in Berlin, 
called " The Mechanic's Festival," which succeeded 
mainly in consequence of the humorous parts being in 
patois German, which is the Berlin folks' dialect. One 
of the merriest scenes is where an otherwise excellent 
journeyman was ever behind time, — never making his 
appearance until business had begun ; the scene occa- 
sioning most laughter, was the operative's manner of 
propitiating the displeased master, viz., by invariably 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 119 

holding out his hand, and saying, " Now, measter, 
nevertheless, no animosity on no account !"" To whicli 
the master as invariably answers, " He knows me 
better ; am I not always that one — which — " 

A few days after, when the farce had become much 
talked about, the King came to Potsdam with his family. 
All were assembled for dinner, which was punctually at 
two o'clock; the King thinking the minute passed, 
asked the time, saying : " not yet ready ?" — The Court 
Marshal, von Maltzahn, replied, "Yes Sire; but His 
Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, is not yet here. 11 
The King, holding his watch in hand said, " In five mi- 
nutes I 11 — when that had elapsed, all took their seats, and 
the soup was handed round. At that moment the Crown 
Prince entered — his look and action denoting a slight 
degree of embarrassment. With his natural presence of 
mind, — and assuming a show of artlessness ; he ap- 
proached the unoccupied chair beside the King, and 
putting forth his hand reverentially — yet with consti- 
tutional quaintness and true-heartedness — to his royal 
Sire, said : " Measter, nevertheless, no animosity on 
no account !" The King squeezing his beloved son^ 
hand, replied in the same dialect, "thou knowst me 
better, Fritz ; am I not always that one — which — " 

Such gaiety of temper sometimes drew other of the 
table guests into its magic circle, and with delight I 



120 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

remember one of those pleasant scenes, — it took place in 
the royal chateau at Paretz. 

The neighbouring church-living of Ketzin had become 
vacant through death, — and as it was a lucrative cure — 
Paretz being its Filia, — the number of clerical candidates 
was very great. The King, as immediate church patron 
of that parish, having it in his gift ; sent the whole of the 
petitions, amongst which were several from Superinten- 
dents, Consistorial Councillors, Doctors of Divinity, and - 
celebrated Theological writers ; to the Council for Ec- 
clesiastical affairs — charging it to select and present to 
him from the numerous aspirants, the three most dis- 
tinguished names, that he would hear their probationary 
sermons himself, and confer the living on him whose 
lecture pleased him most. 

So stood the matter, when, being invited to Paretz, I 
alighted at the house of the Domain-farmer, Uebel, and 
had not been there long before the pastor of the village 
church in Bukow, Parson K'arsten, entered — for that 
Sunday happened to be his turn on the rotation-list, to 
do duty at Paretz, during the year of grace granted to 
the widow of the deceased incumbent.* When the 



* I think in such cases the duties for the year are volunteered by 
neighbouring clergymen, — the widow receiving the husband's 
salary, and all collections and other emoluments, as fall in during 
that time. — Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 121 

modest and discreet man heard that the King and Royal 
Family, with a large suite, were at Paretz, and would 
certainly attend the Church, he became anxious, and 
declared, "he felt himself incapable of preaching before 
His Majesty, for, living as he had done, in retirement, 
and away from the great world, he had never so much 
as seen the King ; " he therefore earnestly entreated 
that I would take on myself the duties of the day. 

I declined doing so, as being unseasonable and impro- 
per; but I did my best to encourage him to preach 
fearlessly the sermon he had prepared for the occasion ; 
that if the same, — which I doubted not, — was simple, 
clear, from the heart, and biblical, he would find in the 
King a mild, equitable, and most attentive hearer. 

And so it was to be. The humble and worthy man 
preached to a full church, from the subject of the ten 
lepers, whom the Lord, at their own intercession, healed, 
and of whom only one turned to thank him ; whence he 
took the opportunity of dwelling on " the wickedness of 
ingratitude," with such effect, and in so clear a manner, 
that it was perfectly suited to the comprehension of the 
veriest peasant, — and at the same time edifying to the 
highly educated. The King, on leaving the church, 
expressed his approbation, by gently placing on the ex- 
posed poor-plate twenty golden Fredericks. 

Arrived at the chateau, the King said : " How did 



122 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

you like the sermon S" on my replying, " Right well !" 
he added, " And I, very much ! — much better than 
many I have heard preached by celebrated, and titled 
orators. Such, usually heat themselves in hunting about 
for fine phrases, and serve out nothing but decorated 
confectionary. This man has given us the good whole- 
some homebaked bread of life, such as all of us are in 
need of. He expounded the biblical text in a clear 
manner, and what he said relative to the impiety of 
man's ingratitude, was true and striking, — spoken as 
if from my own soul. He is a valiant man ! — Is he one 
of the candidates for the vacant Ketzin and Paretz 
living r 

" No, Sire ! — I have not seen his name on the list of 
aspirants." — " Do you think him a fitting person for the 
vacant cure T — " I cannot as yet permit myself to form a 
judgment thereon ; I am not acquainted with him, and 
know nothing beyond the edifying sermon just delivered : 
at the same time I will not doubt of his possessing 
the necessary qualifications : — but the pastorship of 
Ketzin and Paretz is one of the most lucrative in Havel- 
land ; and on account of your Majesty's often attending 
public worship in the church of Paretz, one of the most 
honourable. Therefore have more than 40 clergymen 
become candidates for the same, and amongst them 
several famed Theologians. The chief President, von 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 123 

Basse witz, with whom I conversed yesterday, will, in 
conformity to your Majesty's commands, present the 
names of the three most eligible next week." M I 
have," interrupted the King, " all respect for theo- 
logical erudition and celebrity — desire to tak e therefrom 
not an iota: — but such learned and renowned gentle- 
men are often in the near, very different to what they 
appear in the distance. The best theorist is not always 
the best practitioner. A learned theologian is not 
exactly necessary for the Ketzin and Paretz peasantry ; 
— I wish to give them a pious, and in his conduct, exem- 
plary shepherd of souls ; one whose life and conduct may 
edify. The more homely and simple-hearted the better !" 
As the King said this, Finance Minister Count von 
Biilow entered ; and the King adjourned with him to 
his Cabinet. 

When we assembled in the garden-hall, preparatory 
to dinner, I found that Parson Concionator had been 
invited. The high opinion the King had formed of 
him in the church, lost nothing by his conduct at 
the dinner-table. Placed opposite the King, the fol- 
lowing conversation occurred : " What is your name V 
— " Ratten." " Where from V " The village of Bu- 
kow, near Brandenburg." " How got you there V " I 
was teacher in the noblesse- academy at Brandenburg, 
and the Cathedral Chapter preferred me to the church 



124 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

in Bukow." " Perchance lucrative ?" — " Your Majesty, 
I am fully satisfied V — " What is the fixed stipend?" 
" With glebe-house and garden, it may be worth 460 
dollars." " Married ? Children?" — " Yes, your Majesty, 
two sons and three daughters." " And you and youT 
family can live on that, without being anxious for to- 
morrow?" "Oh yes, very well." "How manage you 
that V "I hold fast to the old proverb, ' Never suffer 
your expenses to exceed your income;' doing so, I have 
always a little over." — " Excellent ! — Count Bulow, do 
you hear that ? — We may learn something from a 
country parson. With good housekeeping, expenditure 
should never exceed income ! We, too often reverse the 
matter, saying, 6 So muck we propose to expend, there- 
fore so much we must have P — Did you suffer greatly 
by the war, Pastor V " Not more than others of my 
parish — our maxim ever was, ' With God ! for King and 
country !' — and Almighty God has marvellously helped 
us through." " Very good, — you please me : — preached 
an excellent sermon this forenoon !" " Your Ma- 
jesty is pleased to take the will for the deed; it was 
a sermon intended for the peasantry; — I anticipated 
not such an audience." "Twas well you did not 
know it ; otherwise you might have refined and added 
oratorial flourishes — such as many of your cloth delight 
in. There is no flourishing and polishing in the 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 125 

Word of God — all there is clear and profound, — as 
for the village Church, so for the royal Chapel ; — 
one goes not to the house of prayer for amusement, 
but for improvement ; of that, we have all pressing 
need, whatever our rank may be. You spoke to the 
purpose on ingratitude ; — have probably experienced it?" 
— " Alas, your Majesty, that is the fate of all. Even in 
my limited acquaintanceship with the world, I have not 
been spared ; having been slandered and cheated by 
those whom I have endeavoured to serve and foster — ■ 
pretended friends !" The King muttered — nevertheless 
distinctly enough to be understood — " Tout comme chez 
nous P' — then louder, " The whole must be kept in view 
when individuals disappoint us ;" — with that, passing his 
hand over his face to hide emotion, he said, " Laissez 
passer." 

Champagne was now handed round ; — a glass being 
offered to Parson K'arsten, the King jokingly said, " Is 
it not true Parson K'arsten, when you get home on 
Sunday, somewhat exhausted by clerical labours, you 
take a glass of champagne with your family V " Ah ! 
my gracious Master, hitherto I have only known this 
wine by name ; — and I rejoice to taste it for the first 
time at the table of my King ! — Permit me, please your 
Majesty, (rising, and humbly bending,) to empty my 



126 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

glass to your Majesty's health and welfare.' 1 The King 
raised his, and emphatically expressing his thanks, 
chimed glasses with the delighted parson. 

But he was to be more delighted ; for after dinner, 
when the King retired, he beckoned me, and said,: 
" Pastor K'arsten is not only a good preacher, but a 
clear-headed man with much tact ; he shall have the 
Ketzin and Paretz living — tell him so." When I com- 
municated to K'arsten the King's grace, the surprised 
man shouted out, " No ! that is too much for one day ! 
— more than my mind can compass and bear. ,, 

What in a fortunate hour he received, he continued 
to administer for a series of years to the King's satis- 
faction. The King, after the incumbent's death, pro- 
vided for two of his sons. 

However strict as to order and punctuality in state 
and domestic affairs, the King was lenient towards those 
who in daily life committed small faults. 

The domestics were one day busily employed dressing 
the dinner-table for a large party, in the palace at 
Potsdam ; when the Marshall, who was very punctilious, 
detected one of the lacqueys in the act of taking a 
hearty draught from one of the bottles of wine. 
Alarmed at the unexpected appearance of the Marshall, 
he withdrew the bottle hurriedly from his lips, — and in 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 127 

so doing, the claret spouted over his white waistcoat, 
The Marshall having severely rated the offender, was 
about to dismiss him from the royal service, when the 
King, — fortunately for the poor fellow, — entering, became 
eye-witness of the comico-tragic scene. The doubly 
terrified culprit now dropped on his knees ; but the King, 
with slight expression of displeasure in his countenance, 
motioned him to rise, saying : " another time when 
thirsty, drink white wine, that your waistcoat be not so 
soiled. Forgiven this time !" adding smilingly : " You 
must not enrage the Marshall again ! — every one must 
do his duty." The royal seriousness reproved him ; the 
kindness filled him with gratitude. Thus did the King, 
by a happy mixture of gravity and good-humour, attach 
hearts, so that all immediately about him were devoted 
to his person. 

He was particularly partial to children, willingly joked 
with them, and enjoyed their waggery. 

As in many towns, so in Berlin, the street boys get 
up comic scenes, — sometimes going in parties, they 
sing national or burlesque-airs ; — woe then to those who 
have committed a scandal, for they are sure of being 
balladed. 

Such a harmless scene took place in the spring of 
1827 before the King's residence, — after his recovery 
from a broken leg. A crowd of youngsters had as- 



128 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

sembled, and as the King opened the window, their caps 
flew in the air, and they chaunted a doggerel, begin- 
ning — ■ 

" Hail victor of the Rhine and Main ! 
Our good King's leg is sound again." 

Instead of being angry at their audacity, the King 
laughed heartily, — and commanded that they should be 
admitted into the court-yard, where the children were 
treated with cakes and fruit. # The King's gaiety of 
humour, was combined with a certain child-like simplicity 
of feeling, in which it pleasingly shone forth. 

* When Frederick the Great rode through and about quiet Pots- 
dam, on his old Mollwitz Grey, he was often surrounded by a swarm 
of street urchins, with whom he sometimes joked. They called him 
" Papa Fritz," touched his horse, took hold of his stirrup, kissed 
his feet, and sang popular songs, one of which the old King was 
particularly fond of hearing, " Victoria ! with us is God, the 
haughty foe lies there." One Saturday afternoon they carried the 
matter so far, that Frederick raising his crutch-handled cane, said, 
" Ragamuffins, get to school with ye !" but the youngsters shouted 
out, " Ha, ha ! Papa Fritz dont know that there's no school on 
Saturday afternoons." Shortly after the Seven Years' War, the 
King was riding towards Sans-Souci ; when near the Brandenburg 
gate he remarked an old Fruit-woman, who still retained her 
post ; greeting her as heretofore, " Well, mother, how has the 
times used you ?" " Why, pretty well ; but where have you been 
so long ?" " Don't she know that I have carried on the war for 
seven years ?" " How should I know that; besides, what's that to 
me ? Rabble fight and rabble slay, and rabble are friends 
another day." Frederick laughed, and said to the General Ziethen, 
who was riding by his side " We've regularly caught it ! did you 
hear her ?" 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 129 

This gentle tone of mind unveiled itself with capti- 
vating loveliness, when he partook of the joys of retired 
domestic life, on the Peacock Island or elsewhere, be- 
side his amiable Consort and encircled by his children. 
There, in peaceful separation from the world, and happy 
seclusion, — he could put aside all that in his exalted sta- 
tion restrained and in a thousand ways oppressed ; — 
there was he unsophisticated man, and experienced in 
quiet the true blessedness of paternity : — joined in a 
marriage which proved most concordant, — rewarded by 
children who, in respect of form and mind, were richly 
endowed, — and joyous and hopeful in their develop- 
ment — he could and dared to be a child amongst them ; 
— and he was so in the purest sense of the word. 

From a worthy and still living lady, who was nurse to 
one of the royal children, I am informed, that the King 
every morning visited the nursery. Then (as she re- 
lates) disappeared the cloud of sad seriousness which 
had gathered on his brow, and his countenance bright- 
ened. He received the children one after the other 
from the hands of their mother, and bestowed on each 
fond marks of fatherly affection ; — he would sometimes 
tarry long with them, playing and joking, and each 
trifling circumstance, so weighty to children, he treated 
with participating interest, as were it a matter of high 
importance. If any of them received special praise for 






130 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

good behaviour, &c. he took from his pocket a small re- 
ward, — and one could not help wondering how a sovereign 
with so many political matters passing through his head, 
and pressing on his heart, could be so debonair ; — even 
so heartily did he enter into their pleasantries, that 
he often seemed chained to the spot, forgetful of the 
flight of time, — for the Queen, not seldom, had to 
remind him that the Adjutant had been announced. 
Every evening before retiring to rest, he, together with 
the Queen, visited the sleeping infants, and stealthily 
kissed the forehead of each. 

He was pleased to talk with them of the Christmas 
presents, weeks before the long wished-for Christmas-eve ; 
and on that occasion he was used to light the tapers 
which thickly surrounded the Christmas-tree * himself. 

After the separation caused by death, — the King's 
frame of mind became more sombre, and never re- 
gained its earlier sparkling freshness ; but this child-like 
mindedness remained, ennobled by sorrow. Wherever, 

* A small pine-tree is generally selected for this amusement, 
which being firmly fixed on the table, is surrounded by a number 
of wax candles, and the branches thereof richly hung with small 
presents commensurate to the whole family, often extending to the 
very domestics; various amusing sports take place: at length 
they choose according to rank and seniority, — by degrees disrobing 
the branches of their chosen treasures, till all have disappeared, — 
shortly after, the candles being burnt or put out, all retire to 
rest.— Tb. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 131 

in the strict sense of the word, he needed not to be King, 
that simple accord was ever heard, marking his enjoy- 
ments and recreations. In possession of the choicest 
treasures of virtu, and a lively feeling for the arts in 
general, — he nevertheless clung with devotion to Na- 
ture's originals, and willingly forgot the world in their 
contemplation. It was not alone in superb specimens 
of rare exotic flowers which the gardener cherished at 
the stately palm-house, or daily placed in his room, that 
he delighted ; — the simplest grass, or more elaborate 
field-flower, had equally his good-will, and he would dis- 
course eloquently on the wonderful harmony and beauty 
of the works of Nature. If a splendid specimen . of 
ripe fruit were handed to him when at table, he would, 
after contemplating it for a time with much pleasure, — 
as if reluctant to spoil its beauty, carefully put it back 
again, or give it to one of his daughters who might be 
sitting near him, saying, " It's very beautiful! preserve 
it i" With the same interest he meditated on the various 
animals of the Peacock Island. A fine lion, which be- 
came as quiet and tame as a lamb whenever soft music 
was played, attracted much of his notice, — and he com- 
bined therewith psychological remarks on the power of 
harmony. But he lingered longest at the dovehouse, 
amusing himself with the variety of colour, form, and 
habits, of its inmates; and though he spoke little 
fc2 



132 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

on such occasions, one could notice by dropt words, that 
analogies occupied his thoughts ; — his comparisons were 
startling and ingenious. 

On this account he often chose to be alone, loved soli- 
tary walks, and disliked to be disturbed in his contem- 
plations. Alexander von Humboldt was the companion 
most agreeable to him — his table guest — his attendant 
when journeying — and his confidential friend. 

In summer, the King frequented his chateaux and 
gardens, and lived much in the open air : following the 
bent of his mind for simplicity of life. 

If he dined in the apartments of the upper terrace at 
Sans-Souci, he nevertheless spent his mornings, evenings, 
and nights, in the stately, yet lonely new palace, erected 
by Frederick the Great, shortly after the Seven Years' 
War. 

Neugarten, however romantically situated, and enriched 
by picturesque groups of trees, was no favourite ; neither 
did the King ever pass a night in the splendid Marble 
Palace. 

Paretz, and the Peacock island, with their chateaux 
and gardens, were preferred to all others. The village 
of Paretz, nine miles from Potsdam, though pleasantry 
situated amidst meadows on the river Havel, has nothing 
remarkable to recommend it ; — but the character of the 
surrounding country is that of an idylic spot, — such as 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. ] 33 

makes a soft impression on the minds of those who love 
the quiet of retirement. The eye willingly dwells on 
green plains and meadows animated by flocks and herds ; 
and the lungs cordially inhale the balmy breath of 
peaceful husbandry; — the village, consisting of neat 
cottages, — and the parish church, is approached by 
avenues of trees — bespeaking serenity. The peasant 
families dwelling there are, through the King's bounties, 
in comfortable circumstances,* and the children in- 
structed in an appropriately organised school, are joyous 
and well-behaved. 

On a delightful spot — the church forming the imme- 
diate vista — is the royal villa, simple and unadorned. 
There, the King passed his happiest hours. — When he 
would be alone — so far as a King can be — he chose the 
undisturbed quiet of Paretz for his meditations on the 
most important national circumstances, — and many 
weighty ordinances are dated from the village of Paretz. 
There, was the burthen of the crown lighter, and the 
compulsatory state of his affairs less felt. There, was he 
free from annoying ceremonies, and his days and weeks 
passed over agreeably, whilst the objects and principles 
which occasion inward peace, sunk deeply into his heart. 

His sojourn there was a happy time for the villagers; 

* The King constituted himself Burgomaster of the place ! — Tr. 



134 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

and did any casualty happen to a family, the King's 
hand was ever ready to help. At eve the King was 
wont to stroll about the village and adjacent coun- 
try, and was delighted, with truly patriarchal feeling, to 
watch the returning cattle at sunset. At such times the 
playful and innocent children would approach him, — 
and it had become a permitted custom, during the King's 
prolonged residence there, for them to assemble be- 
fore the dining-room, and receive the remains of cakes 
and fruit taken from the royal table. Which small but 
welcome gifts were generally distributed by the King, 
Queen, or Royal children, and the well-pleased young- 
sters scampered merrily home. 

On one occasion, the King said to a comely lad, 
" Hast ever tasted pine-apple P On his replying, 
"No;" the King gave him a slice, saying, " Eat ! — but 
reflect on what thou art eating." Presently the King 
said, " Well, what does it taste like P The boy still 
munching, and thinking on what to him had always 
proved the greatest delicacy, said : " Why, I think 
it tastes like sausage. 11 All laughed — but the King 
smilingly remarked : " Thus, you see every one has for 
himself a peculiar standard, — guiding his feelings and 
judgment, and each one believes himself to be right. 
One fancies he discovers in the pine-apple the flavour of 
the melon, another of the pear, a third the plum ; yon lad, 






OF FREDERICK WILLIAM IIJ. 135 

in his sphere of tastes, finds therein his favourite food — 
the sausage."" 

The King had erected a Belvedere in the neighbour- 
hood of Paretz, whence he had a beautiful panoramic 
view of the surrounding country. He delighted to 
tranquillize himself there, — but after the Queen's death 
he generally visited it alone. 

When he would indulge in contemplation, he desired 
to be away from the world, and divested himself of all 
that could embarrass his musing. The solemn beech 
and oak avenue in the Park of Frederick II. had there- 
fore great attractions for him. 

One fine summer evening in 1823, I had strolled into 
the public grounds of Sans-Souci. Near the Japanese 
House I observed the King with folded arms* pacing up 
and down, sometimes stopping, as if in deep thought. 
Knowing how much he disliked to be disturbed when in 
such humour, I endeavoured to avoid him — but he had 
caught sight of me. I therefore stood still, respectfully 
bending ; — he seemed sad, and as he passed me, merely 
raised his hand to his foraging-cap, — but turning, he in 
a friendly tone invited me to join him. 

"You are willingly at Sans-Souci?" I replied, — 

"Yes, your Majesty; its ancient druidical groves make 

* I am inclined to think the folding of the arms was not across 
the breast, but only hands crossed behind ; — so I have often seen 
His Majesty walk when deeply meditating. — Tr. 



136 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

it the most interesting spot about Potsdam ; — it is the 
sublime theatre of great remembrances." 

" It offers much for rumination and comparison," 
said the King. I continued, " In the sorrowful years 
1807, 1808, and 1809, I often paced, with heavy heart, 
this hallowed spot, comforting myself with hopes of hap- 
pier times. God has mercifully brought that about, 
and now it is delightful to wander in Sans-Souci !" 
" Do you remember Frederick II. V said His Majesty. 
" I recollect having seen the Great King in my boy- 
hood — his large flaming eyes will never be forgotten by 
me." The King said, — " Yes, his eye was the mirror of 
his mind; and that mind was bright, full, and profound. 
He kept in advance of the age, and much of what he 
purposed and left behind in writing, is now bearing 
fruit." I remarked, — " When one reads his works — 
namely, what he wrote on ' The Rights of Man,' it 
would appear that his principles were milder and more 
general than his practice — in which severity and absolute 
power often showed themselves.'" The King, fixing his 
eyes on me, continued, — " What you say I have often 
read and heard ; nevertheless, 'tis a mistake, although it 
have the seeming air of truth. The difference between 
then and the present, must be taken into considera- 
tion ; the individualities and regulations of that great 
man, though suited to his time, would be improper 






OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 137 

and not work now. Other times, other customs ! — 
Everything was more compact, sounder, and bolder then; 
we have become politer, genteeler, more flexible — 
whether for the better, I will not stop to examine ; and 
where is the man who will dare the solution ? — As with 
every man, so has every age a peculiar blending of good 
and evil — light and shade ; — the latter often to make the 
former more conspicuous. The miserable herd of dog- 
like lickspittles, who see in Frederick II. all perfection 
— no weaknesses — I abhor from my soul ; — unbounded 
praise and panegyric indicate inanity and empty-minded- 
ness. 

" The rising generation, who have seen little and expe- 
rienced less, marvel at the unusual ; whereas to the 
seriously thinking, staid man, who has correctly studied 
the annals of past times, and has gained experience 
with age, all seems to have proceeded according to the 
common order of things. 

" I feel suspicious of the utterers of flattery. In them 
there is always want of discernment or purity of heart — 
often both V — This was all said when standing. Then, as 
he was w T ont to do when growing animated, he advanced 
his right foot firmly, and continued, — " Doubtlessly 
many weaknesses and faults clave to Frederick, and the 
adage may be justly applied to him, ' Where there is 
much light there is much shade V For lie was. and 



138 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

remained, purely man. But those comprehend him least 
who — as you did just now — attribute to him a natural 
propensity for severity and despotism. No, no ! the 
natural and real sentiments of his heart were pure love 
to mankind, and a lively sympathy, which often rose to 
strong emotion. He carried those feelings so deeply in 
his bosom, and found therein so cordial an element, that 
it was his unceasing desire to encourage and strengthen 
them. 

" Thence his lively sensations for friendship, his love 
and tenderness towards his kin, and, notwithstanding the 
great difference of rank, his faithfulness and constancy 
towards his companions, and his love for music and 
its soft impressions ; — it is well known that on the flute 
he succeeded best in adagios ; — thence his decided incli- 
nation for the sciences and erudition, as well the depths 
of abstract philosophy as the joyous heights of poesy ; — 
thence his love for animals, not forgetting his dogs ; — 
thence his sympathy for retirement, and the eternal new- 
ness of nature. This spot, how sombre, solemn, and 
serene — yet how pleasing and consoling ! — How often 
did he pass the hours of evening here, strolling up and 
down, full of the noblest sentiments and sensations ! — 
He who so thought, felt, chose, and enjoyed with 
equanimity, must have been a stranger to the austerity 
of misanthropy. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 139 

" He was maltreated in his youth ; yet did he never feel 
intimidation; his strong and eminent mind shielded him 
from fear. Nevertheless harshness made him suspicious, 
— and this suspicion, fed by the artifices, intrigues, and 
cabals, which those who were about the court of his cho- 
leric Father had spun around him, his mother, sisters 
and associates, — became fixed; and therefore a prominent 
feature in his character. Approximated to, and daily 
viewing and estimating the higher and highest ranks from 
this gloomy side, — may account for the severity, border- 
ing on dislike, which he often displayed towards such in 
terms of bitterest sarcasm. Not from inclination, but 
from principle, was he stern, often harsh ; being of opinion 
that fear, in most cases, namely, with the higher classes, 
effectuated more than love. Those, and more particu- 
larly the officials, he therefore kept in continual tension 
and fear ; he looked on them with a distrustful eye, and 
was inexorable towards them, whenever he discovered 
they had been guilty of dereliction of duty, or injustice. 
On the other hand, he placed ready confidence in the 
common man, the citizen, and the peasant; but most of all 
in his brave soldiery; — and he felt the loyal attachment 
of his people to be his greatest treasure. In one word, 
every thing about that Potentate partook of the gran- 
diose, — all, the out-flowing of his firm principles." 

The King spoke quick, emphatically, and long, as was 



140 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

always the case when he got well into a subject ; — he 
stopped, leaned against a beech-tree, and looking pen- 
sively forward, — in a low tone said, — " Yes, he was in- 
deed a great man ! — It was on this spot, sitting on 
this very bench, that I saw and spoke to him for the 
last time. His goodwill towards me, which on that 
occasion was expressed with the utmost tenderness, 
has been ever dear to me, and of lasting reminiscence. 

" He examined me on such branches of learning and 
science as were then my study, particularly history and 
the mathematics. I was required to converse with him 
in the French language ; and he drew from his pocket 
an edition of Lafontaine's Fables, fixing on the one I 
should translate to him. As it happened, I had con- 
strued it before to my tutor, consequently I did it flu- 
ently. Upon his praising my improvement, I informed 
him of my having previously translated it: his face 
brightened up, and patting me on the cheek, he said, — 
' That's right, my dear Fritz; — always honest and honour- 
able ! — Never seem to be what thou art not ; but always 
more than thou appearest to be.' — That admonition 
made an indelible impression on my heart, and though 
I disliked falsehood from my childhood, from that time 
on I have hated and detested all species of dissembling 
and lies. 

" He particularly incited me to a perfect knowledge and 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 141 

fluency in the French language, as being the diplomatic 
language of the world, and thereto highly appropriate 
from its flexibility. Truly, on account of its pliancy, I 
speak it more correctly than the German ; — nevertheless, 
I like the German best. 

"When Frederick permitted me to retire, he said, 
' Mind, Fritz! — be something extraordinaryjsar excellence. 
Great things are expected from thee. I am near the 
end of my career ; my day's- work is all but finished. 
I fear that after my death matters will go pele-mele. 
There is everywhere enough of inflammable stuff, and the 
ruling Princes, particularly those of France, feed the 
flame instead of calming it, or extirpating the cause. 
The masses of the people already show themselves 
on the surface, when they break out, then is the devil 
loose — I fear that it will be thy lot to witness trouble- 
some times. Qualify thyself — be prepared — be firm — 
and think of me. Keep vigilant guard over our house's 
honour and fame. Be guilty of no injustice ; at the 
same time tolerate none !' 

" Thus talking, we had arrived at the extremity of 
Sans-Souci, where the Obelisk stands : ' Behold, 1 said 
he, ' how tapering, lofty and aspiring, yet is it firmly 
erected and fixed, defying wind and storm. Yon struc- 
ture says to thee, Ma force est ma droiture. The cul- 
minating point, the apex, crowns the whole ; it bears 



142 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

not, but is borne by the beneath, more particularly by 
the invisible foundation. That foundation, is the people 
in unity. Always hold to them, in a manner, that they 
love thee and have confidence in thee; through them 
only canst thou prove strong and fortunate.' 1 He then 
with steadfast eye measured me from head to foot, — 
gave me his hand, — kissed me, — and dismissed me with 
these words, 'Never forget this hour!' — I have not 
forgotten it, and at this moment he is before my soul 
as when he lived. What say you thereto V* 

" Such heart- exalting remembrances, 1 ' I replied, 
" bring the great and incomparable King before one, 
clad in philosophical dignity — and make reproachful 
criticisms unworthy of notice. 

" May it please your Majesty, a short and naive 
anecdote occurs to me, bearing on this point, which I 
think I must have read in the Jena paper not long ago." 

" What is it V said the King. 

" The upper Consistorial Councillor Busching of Ber- 
lin, — who, in his time, was an esteemed clergyman and 
author, published a Biography of Frederick the Great ; 
and because he considered himself to have been neg- 
lected, and wounded by many severe and sarcastic 
Cabinet- orders, he took on himself to judge the King, 
from his own feelings and position — in a very one- 
sided manner, and brought together a masse of anec- 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 143 

dotes derogatory to his character ; particularly in respect 
of his irreligion. The reviewer's remark on Biisching's 
book was short and pithy : — ' Few men present a wise 
face when they look at the sun. 1 " 

" Excellent !" said the King, and a satisfactory yet 
satirical smile played on his lips. 

Having entered thus far on this interesting topic, I 
permitted myself to remark, that " Frederick II. was 
chiefly reproached in reference to religion. " 

The King's brow wrinkled as he said, " You have 
touched on a point, about which I reluctantly speak. 
I have heard and read so much that is one-sided and 
erroneous on that head, that the subject has become 
irksome to me." He was silent awhile ; then deeply 
drawing breath, he said, " Great and distinguished men, 
about whom is individuality and originality, ought not to 
be estimated by the common standard ; they have their 
own peculiarities, for all belonging to them is peculiar. 
Such can only appear in those who are above mediocrity, 
and who have an eye for the greatness in question. It 
does not show itself in single and detached acts, anec- 
dotes, or fragmental expressions ; but in its totality, 
forming a connected and consistent whole. Such is even 
difficult of assumption by ordinary men ; — the uncom- 
mon and extraordinary have, in all times, an enigmati- 
cally about them, and have therefore been more or less 
in their day misunderstood ; but calmly-judging poste- 



144 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

rity has done, or will do them justice. Where is the 
man, who clogged by his own errors and fallibilities, 
dares allow himself to pronounce judgment on the in- 
trinsic worth of others ? — We don't know ourselves'! — 
Pray, what is tenderer, subtiler, or secretes itself more 
in the mysterious deeps of the bosom, than our religious 
feeling, with its forebodings and fears ? — It is least 
felt by those who talk most about it, and -oftenest 
found in the hearts of those who are silent on the holy 
matter." 

The King, looking upwards, ceased. I was about to 
speak, but he rejoined : " Tve not done yet, you've got 
me for once into full swing, so I'll have my say out. If 
we are aware of any one who possesses a clear and con- 
templative understanding, a feeling heart, a soul for the 
sublime, a reverence for laws and order, and who admits 
of the Christian religion being the best, — then I should 
like to know who has more inherent qualifications for 
holiness than he ? But instead of that disposition being 
awakened in a manner suitable to Frederick's indivi- 
duality of character, and proper blendment with his 
other studies, — in which his mind made rapid and 
delighted advancement, — so that it might freely develop 
itself; he was fettered in that respect, by a limiting and 
pinching authority, strongly partaking of compulsion ; 
which he could not, and would not, bear ! 

" The instruction he received in the Christian r e ijgjon 



OP FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 145 

was what t would not censure, had it been inducted in a 
right manner; — but it was according to the doctrines of 
the Calvinistic church, and surrounded by forced and 
harsh constraints. The whole cut of it was after the 
spirit of those times — more controversial than instruc- 
tive. This intolerant polemic, which assumed to itself 
the power of opening and shutting Heaven, was far from 
satisfying his manly mind, then occupied with the study 
of Wolff's Philosophy ; his heart therefore remained 
untouched. 

"Thence came it, that the fundamental dogmas of our 
church proved disagreeable to him, and his distaste for 
them increased greatly, by being compelled to commit 
to memory all the catechisms. The more that he from 
filial respect assumed appearances, the more his heart 
revolted. When his rising powers in unguarded mo- 
ments burst through the burthensome limitations — the 
unworthy punishments which never failed to follow, 
embittered him still more, — so that in his soul was 
collected the tinder of scepticism, scorn, and derision. 
Every morning, as a task, he was required to learn by 
heart large portions of the Bible, without particular 
selection, or being accompanied by explanations ; and 
every Sunday he was constrained to hear a tedious and 
sterile sermon preached in the Garrison Church. His 
immediate attendants professed profound and anxious 



146 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

veneration for Divine worship ; but he found out that 
exactly those who were loudest about the matter, and 
would be taken for the most pious, were those who were 
least so in reality- — being guilty of sinful outbreaks, 
intrigues, rogueries and vices, such as Paganism would 
have condemned. All this filled his soul with dislike 
and bitterness, and encased the healthful inward fruit 
with a harsh and prickly exterior, that hurt and 
offended many. 

" But his principles remained sound; — truly, not 
nurtured by the infusions prescribed by the then forms 
of the church, — but refreshed and vivified by an earnest 
and deep feeling of reverence and respect for the laws 
of God and man. Of a truth one may say — in fulfilment 
of his duties, he was more practically religious than he 
seemed. There may have been, and still may be, such 
a thing as a theoretical atheism ; but I can form no 
idea of the possibility of any one being conscientiously 
an atheist. The reasonable being can no more divest 
himself of belief in a God, than he could withdraw him- 
self from the influence of air, and retain health. 

" Truly — Frederick was many times guilty of deriding 
what mankind holds most holy ; and unfortunately those 
sarcastic insults reached the ears of the public. Such 
witty and intellectual heads are too often induced by 
circumstances to feel and give way to momentary im- 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 147 

pulses — and forgetting themselves for a time, say what 
is never intended to be taken seriously, or promulgated ; 
much depends on time, place, circumstance, and com- 
pany, — and the same witty scorner, who the evening 
before has kept " the table in a roar" with his jokes and 
derisions, is perchance to-morrow not only incapable of 
such flights, but repentant for having so transgressed. 

" Has not this happened to the best of us I — If we will 
be reasonable, we ought not to judge mankind, — more 
particularly one so distinguished as Frederick, by single 
and detached expressions uttered in unguarded moments ; 
but by the general tenour and direction of whole lives. 

" The great Luther would appear small if we judged 
of him by his table-talk only. The world has been 
made acquainted with what Frederick — stimulated by 
ridiculous contrasts, — has said at table and elsewhere, of 
an irreverential and profane nature; but what he 
thought and felt in his solitary walks of a lofty and 
divine nature, has never come to its knowledge : — it is 
the essence and genuine character of true and unvar- 
nished piety, which lies deeply hid in the soul, to shun 
being talked about ." 

" As respects this deep-seated piety of Frederick II., 

I remember an excellent anecdote : — will your Majesty 

permit me to relate it?" " Anecdote about him?" said 

the King; "alas, of them there are too many. The 

l2 



148 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

narrators shorten and lengthen as it may suit their 
fancies. If yours be of historic truth, let me hear it. 11 

"Frederick II., after the successful termination of 
the Seven Years' War, was always pleased to see old Ge- 
neral von Ziethen at his table, and whenever there were 
no foreign princes present, his appointed place was beside 
the King. On one occasion he was invited for Good 
Friday ; Ziethen excused himself as not being able, 
inasmuch as he made it a point to partake of the sa- 
crament on that great Church festival, — and desired to 
spend the remainder of the day in meditation. 

" The next time he appeared at Sans-Souci to dinner, 
the conversation, as was usual, assumed an intellectual 
and merry course, — and the King jocosely turned it 
on his immediate neighbour in these words : ' Well, 
Ziethen, how did the Supper of Good Friday agree with 
you ? — have you properly digested the veritable body and 
blood ? ' — The jovial table-guests set up a jeering laugh, 
— but the ancient Ziethen, after shaking his grey head 
indignantly, left his chair ; — then bowing respectfully 
to His Majesty, he with loud and firm voice thus ad- 
dressed the King : — 

" ' Your Majesty well knows that in war I shun no 
danger, — and that whenever it has been necessary, I 
have not hesitated to risk my life for You and my 
country. The same sentiment animates me still, and 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 



U9 



this very day, if you command it, I will suffer my hoary 
head to be cut off, and loyally laid at your feet. But 
there is One above who is more than you, and I, and all 
mankind ; — and that One is the Saviour and Redeemer 
of the world, who died for all, — having purchased us 
by his precious blood. 

u * I will therefore not submit to have the Holy One, on 
whom my Faith reposes, — who is my consolation in life, 
and hope after death, to be attacked and derided. In 
the strength of this Faith, your brave army courageously 
fought and conquered ; — if it is your Majesty's pleasure 
to undermine this Faith, then does your Majesty lend 
a hand to undermining the State's welfare. What I 
have said is true — receive it graciously V 

" The King was visibly agitated by this speech. He 
stood up, offered his right hand to the brave old Chris- 
tian General, put his left hand on his shoulder, and said 
with emotion : ' Happy Ziethen ! would that I could 
believe as you do ! I have all respect for your faith, — 
hold fast to it ; — what has occurred, shall never happen 
again V 

" A deep and solemn silence ensued ; none seemed to 
have courage to utter a word ; and even the King was 
so taken aback, that not readily hitting on an apt subject 
for further conversation, he broke up the half-finished 
dinner, by giving the dismissal signal. To Ziethen, how- 



150 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

ever, he gave his hand, saying, ' Come with me to my 
cabinet.' " 

" Excellent, very excellent !" said the King, " I was 
not aware of that anecdote. I find it pleasing and in- 
structive. Would that we knew the conversation that 
passed between the King and Ziethen in the cabinet F" 

Thus conversing, the King had got back to the 
palace, and as we were standing on the upper terrace, 
the Court Marshal approached, asking His Majesty " If 
the supper should be served V The King, punctual in 
all things, took out his watch, saying, " In ten mi- 
nutes." As I was about to take leave, he said, " I 
thank you ; you have occasioned me an agreeable evening 
— you may as well stop supper !" — I excused myself, as 
having only a common upper coat on. The King 
rejoined smilingly, " I know very well that you've got a 
dollar and a dress-coat ; you are the same person in 
either. I want you, not your coat ; so go in !" 

Fatigued and often vexed by the circumstances of the 
day, he would hurry with a degree of yearning to the 
peaceful Peacock- Island, to spend the hours of noon 
and evening in the circle of his family. Soon as he trod 
the ferry, he was wont to throw open his military coat, as 
if to give his clammed bosom a freer breathing;* — 
landed, he slowly paced, with hands crossed behind, to- 
* Most likely after the return to Potsdam — 1809 or 1810. — Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 151 

wards his toilet- chamber, where he re-dressed, — and 
his countenance assumed an air of perfect tranquillity. 

After passing several hours in his cabinet, reading 
documents prepared for his inspection, and making 
marginal notes of interrogation and exclamation with 
his pencil, also remarks, generally containing the heads 
of the answers to be given, — he sought the free air ; 
and then one must have seen him, to be aware how 
a burthened King may be a happy man, if he is of 
pure and noble mind. He now paced the Island in 
its breadth and length, generally with a book in his 
hand, — reading, — contemplating the landscape leaning 
against a tree, — or sitting on a rustic seat, observing 
a bed of flowers, — anon conversing with the shepherd, 
or amusing himself with the passing children. 

Here did he pass many happy years with his beau- 
tiful and amiable consort, ere the blight of the times 
overtook them ; — experiencing all the joys of husband 
and father. 

Those who have been eye-witnesses of the freshness 
and harmony of soul that appeared in the conduct of 
the illustrious, then youthful royal pair, speak of them 
with rapture ; and numerous anecdotes are told of those 
felicitous times, — of which the following is a sample : — 

One fine day in the summer of 1799, two English 
gentlemen, strangers on their travels, rowed to the 



152 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

Peacock-Island ; — uninformed of the royal family being 
there, and consequently of the interdiction, — they had 
landed at a point of the Island distant from the ferry, and 
were delightedly strolling about, when the then Court 
Marshal, von Massow, caught sight of them, and they 
were desired to quit the Island instanter, by the way 
they came. They however deviated from the direct path 
to the boat, and were met by a gentleman and lady unat- 
tended, and so artless in their dress and deportment, that 
the strangers had no presentiment of who they were. 
When they met, the unknown gentleman said, " how do 
you like the Island V — Expressing themselves in rapture 
as to its position, and ornamental culture, — the un- 
known lady with much affability invited the strangers to 
accompany them — since, being well-known, they could 
point out all that was remarkable. " We should be de- 
lighted, 1 ' replied the Englishmen ; had not the Marshal 
peremptorily ordered us to leave the Island — the King 
and Queen being here."" 

" Matters are not quite so formidable," said the ami- 
able lady ; " Come along with us ; we will undertake 
to excuse you with Mr. von Massow, who is our intimate 
friend." 

A lively conversation ensued, in which the Lady spoke 
enthusiastically of England, — in return, both seemed 
to enjoy the free and critical remarks made by the 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 153 

Englishmen : — but great was the latters' astonishment 
on nearing the chateau, to find the Royal Servants 
stationed; and the Marshal advancing to announce 
breakfast ! — Aware now, that they had been in company 
of the King and Queen, they would have apologised ; but 
the winning affability of the Queen calmed their appre- 
hensions ; and what little remained wholly ceased ; on the 
King saying: " Enter, gentlemen ! you'll take breakfast 
with us? — after so charming a stroll, methinks repast 
will be beneficial." 

The domestic life of the Royal pair was such as, 
perhaps, never blessed those filling a throne, — it was so 
pure — so joyful — so innocent. I recollect one of those 
family scenes ; and it is a graceful picture of connubial 
blessedness. After a family dinner beneath the um- 
brageous oaks, the Queen asked, — " Where are the 
children V — being answered, that they were all in the 
meadow which projects into the Havel, playing/' — 
" Cannot we manage to surprise them, my dearest friend V 
said the Queen to the King. " Yes !" was the reply, — 
" but we must enter the gondola, and advance upon them 
through the reeds, that they see not our approaching." 

It was agreed : and the King taking the oars himself, 
pulled slowly through the reeds and rushes, — the Queen 
standing the while, that her maternal eye might get 
the first glimpse of the astonished group. Arrived, they 



154 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

jumped ashore, and the joyous children ran to meet 
their parents, who embraced them as had they been 
away for days, instead of minutes. 

" Papa !" shouted the Crown Prince — " how did you 
get here \ The King replied, " through the reeds and 
rushes! 1 ' — " That is charming." To the question, — 
" Why V he answered : " Amongst reeds is good whistle 
cutting!" — " How understand you that V' — " It means, 
clever people know how to turn situations to the best 
account.'" The King said, " If applied to yourself, what 
description of whistle would you choose to cut just now V 
the Crown Prince, with his peculiar vivacity, answered — 
" my desire just now, is, that we take our evening's milk 
together, — here, joyously on the grass !" 

The King held out his fatherly hand to the noble 
youth ; the Queen pressed him ardently to her delighted 
heart, and the request was granted. 

The whole company ruralized on spread carpets. 
The Queen gently leaned her head on the King's 
shoulder, her hand in his, — and we all enjoyed the frugal 
meal. The sun-set was beautiful ; and from the adjacent 
underwood was heard the soft accords of the hautboys 
of the guards — sounding like eventide blessings. A 
holy calm hovered over the patriarchal scene, and every 
one present felt that the earth may be made the outer 
court of Heaven. That feeling expressed itself by a so- 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 155 

lemn silence which none seemed inclined to disturb;* — 
language has no words for the indescribable. The Queen 
looked with serenity on the setting sun ; her glance 
was a silent prayer of joy and thankfulness. At that 
moment her countenance had the stamp of beatification ! 
— all that I have seen of portraiture before or since, 
gives but a faint resemblance of her then angelic aspect.-f 

The King treasured in his heart many reminiscences 
of serene hours spent on the Island in company of his 
adored Consort ! — all that she. whilst still at his side, 
planned, ordered, and embellished, caused her beloved 
form to be ever present in his soul ; — and highly prized 
by him was the spot that fed the soft melancholy he felt 
at loss of her. 

On the eastern point of the Island, there, where all 
bears a sombre and pensive colouring, he, after the 
death of the Queen, caused an open temple to be erected; 
and therein placed her bust — excellently worked in 
marble. He often visited the hallowed spot, and would 
linger there in solitary contemplation. He was generally 
unattended, — but on one occasion requested me to 
accompany him. Having entered, he said : " In this 

* The Prussians have a pleasing manner of explaining the cause 
of such silence : — " An Angel has passed by!" Even in talkative 
company, moments of stillness may have been remarked. — Tr. 

t Bishop Eylert does not date the above anecdote : — it most 
probably occurred before the autumn of 1806.— Tr. 



156 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

hallowed place I prefer to think and feel, rather than to 
hear and speak." Nothing was therefore said. After ob- 
serving the effigy for a time, he rose, and drawing a deep 
breath, said, " The fashion of this world passeth 
away." — I would have added a few comforting words, but 
it -was not agreeable to him ; on the contrary, he 
motioned his hand, indicative of not wishing to be 
disturbed. He was of a nature to keep locked within 
his bosom that which employed his mind, and moved him 
most. Silence was with him a more important art than 
speaking, and nothing was so annoying to him as empty 
talk ; — what was beyond the clear, and to the purpose, 
he naively called " emballage. 1 "' 

Mute and slowly we returned to the chateau, where 
he dismissed me, — countermanding at the same time the 
evening tea which we were to have partaken of together. 
Next day Colonel Witzleben informed me, that the King 
had again visited the temple by moonlight. 

Charlottenburg was also a favourite resort of the 
King's, particularly in autumn. What Paretz offered in 
respect of rusticity and retired quiet — Neugarten in its 
loveliness, Sans-Souci in its solemnity, and the Peacock- 
Island, in its separation and feeling of comfort, — that 
did Charlottenburg, in the amplitude of its palace, and 
extensive grounds — reaching to the banks of the Spree. 

But the magnitude and pomp of that regal palace was 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 157 

not suited to his taste after the death of his Queen ; 
the rooms and halls were too lofty and large — what he 
personally required appeared too distant and away ; 
therefore, following his inclination, he had a small 
dwelling-house built near the palace for his own occupa- 
tion, containing few rooms, but combining all that one 
may call inviting, agreeable and comfortable. 

It breathed the air of peace and quietude, and 
its adornments fostered affection, and resignation. 
There could one live and improve ; and that has been 
the feeling of every noble mind when beneath its roof: 
yet is the abode, only one which every independent private 
gentleman might possess. The King dwelt there as 
such, and was, so long as he remained, unapproach- 
able to all, — save his trusty and confidential ser- 
vants on duty. On the table of his dwelling-room 
lay letters from his children, principally his absent 
daughters, — together with beautiful samples of their 
handiwork in knitting and embroidery, wherewith they 
had gladdened their august father on his birthdays. 
The adjoining small room served for his bed-chamber, 
and the outer coverlid of his bed was a large shawl, 
which the deceased Queen delighted to wear. The 
servant was enjoined to fold up the precious relic care- 
fully every morning, and place it on a particular chair ; — 



158 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

and the King, with his own hands, unfolded it, and spread 
it on his bed every night before retiring to rest. 

Charlottenburg, after demise of the Queen, became 
more dear to him. Genuine sorrow, fed by amiable 
remembrances, seemed to atmosphere him there. He 
was used to stroll along the dark avenue of fir-trees, 
that led to her mausoleum ; and he only had a key to 
the lower vault. — A holy stillness pervades the spot 
where the good and beautiful Queen Louisa found an 
early grave. 

If the King inclined not to have about him the highly 
learned, — it proceeded mainly from their general want 
of manner and tact for such intercourse ; — failing of the 
right measure of respect, they are apt to display a too 
anxious reverence; and above all, their huge mass of 
learned lore too often unfits them on the score of 
temper. That Frederick William III. honoured learn- 
ing and the sciences, and highly esteemed their pro- 
moters, — is manifest by what during his long and pater- 
nal reign, he did for museums, universities, gymnasias 
and schools. 

But for his heart, and close intercourse, he required 
something more than scientific and learned formations; — 
tone and temper, veracity and simplicity, single-minded- 
ness and childlike feeling, were the attractions, — the 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 



159 



polar angle to which his mental magnet staunchly 
pointed. 

Quick as were his sympathies, even so were his 
feelings of dislike, — which once felt, he abandoned all 
sentiments of assimilation. I was eye-witness thereof 
at the presentation of a celebrated, but wordy and 
complimentary scholar, — who was moreover recom- 
mended to him. The learned man soon became visibly 
embarrassed by the King's short and fragmental manner, 
and could not work the ceremonial conference into any- 
thing like a flowing conversation ; — on the other hand, 
with Alexander von Humbolt it was a lively stream of 
electrifying thoughts, blending and exchanging. 

It was difficult to hit on the right measure of homage 
to be paid the King on occasions of public rejoicings. 
For he disliked anything that approached servility or 
excessive noise, — and that which savoured of adulation 
was sure to cast a gloom over his face and mind. 

On his return from Paris, fatigued by the jubilating 
distinctions prepared for him in every town and village 
of the reconquered provinces through which he passed, — 
he said to General von Witzleben when leaving Magde- 
burgh, — " Thank God ! we have outlived it V — thinking 
that the last ; but approaching the small town of Burg 
where the magistracy, clergy, schoolmasters, &c. were 



160 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

drawn out to receive him, he reluctantly ordered the 
postilion to gallop through the town. 

Nevertheless, where he saw the inhabitants of hamlet 
or village, dressed in their Sunday clothes, standing 
quietly at their respective doors greeting him as he 
passed, his regal feelings were touched, and he bowed 
to them most cordially. 

A few years before his death, a dealer in singing-birds, 
from the Prussian part of the Harz-mountains, came to 
Berlin, and called at the Palace to express, in what he 
thought the best way, his thanks for the kindnesses which 
had been shown his sons, who were soldiers ; viz., by pre- 
senting to the King a so-called piping bullfinch,* which 
with enduring patience he had taught to pipe the national 
air of " Hail ! Frederick William,'' 1 &c.-|* throughout, 
and correctly, — this being the only instance of perfect 
success. The King smiled, and ordered the bird-fancier 
to be shown up, — who having placed the cage containing 
the interesting songster on the table; the bird, after some 
kindly words from its music-master, went through the 
practised air with all the solemnity of a Cathedral 
priest — to the surprise and amusement of the King; 

* In the German, " Dompfaff," or " Cathedral priest." — Tr. 
f Answering to our " God save the King," being the same 
tune. — Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM IIT. 161 

whose delight increased, when, on his saying " Da 
Capo," the bird piped the air again. To the question, 
" What's the price ?" the pleased Papageno* replied, 
" I won't take money for him. But if my dear King 
will accept the bird, and love him ; — the bare thought of 
his piping in the King's chamber will make me the 
happiest man of our Harz, and the first bird-catcher in 
the world." The King felt good- will towards the honest 
fellow, who stood before him unabashed in his linen 
jacket ; and Timm, who had been summoned, received his 
Majesty's commands to have a room prepared for the 
birdfancier in the adjoining wing of the Palace, — to show 
him every hospitality, and to take care that he saw the 
sights of Berlin. At the same time Timm was in- 
structed to find out what boon would be most accept- 
able to Papageno. For several days he remained in the 
Palace, and was more than once summoned into the 
King's presence, — who inquired minutely as to the locali- 
ties of his part of the Harz, and was amazed with his 
sensible and frank replies. During this stay, Timm 
adroitly obtained such knowledge of his private circum- 
stances and views, as contented the King. When the 
time for the man's departure came, Timm franked him 
back by the diligence. Arrived at home, he found, 

* The name of the Bird-catcher, in Mozart's opera of The Magic 
Flute.— Tr. 



162 



CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 



to his utter astonishment, that the mortgage of 500 dol- 
lars on his house had been paid off by command of his 
Majesty : — thus was his unhoped-for but highest earthly 
desire accomplished, whilst he was enjoying the sights in 
Berlin. 

Those only who have seen the King, as man, giving 
rein to his kindly feelings, can draw his true picture. 
His under-chamberlains therefore had the best oppor- 
tunities of knowing him— who being about his person, 
could see and observe what may be called his life's 
neglige. 

One of them, who for many years had been his imme- 
diate attendant in Berlin, was advanced to the easier 
and more lucrative post of Keeper of the Potsdam-plate- 
chamber. The first time the King saw him, after the 
appointment, he said, " Content ?" — " I am," replied he, 
" as much so as my position will permit of; but may it 
please your Majesty, there is one thing in the change 
which causes me great sorrow." " Well, what's that f ' 
— " I no longer come into your Majesty's presence ; 
moreover, I don't see your Majesty so often as hereto- 
fore," and the tears fell from his eyes. When the King 
remarked that, he said, " My good fellow, I thank you ! 
we always suited each other. I don't like new faces : but 
it could not well be otherwise. Calm yourself! In 
Potsdam, we shall often meet." Such kindly display 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 1 (>3 

of feeling increased with his years. — Although the 
King's bodily falling-off was visible, he still remained 
healthy, for his constitution according to the assurance 
of the medical gentlemen was of the best, — therefore his 
life's taper burnt brightly to the last. He was never- 
theless aware of, and felt that the time of his departure 
was near — for he often told me so. 

As an instance: — on occasion of the Coronation- 
and-Order Festival, in the Spring of 1840,* I took 
the opportunity, in the address I had penned for the 
occasion, of drawing an historical analogy between that 
epoch, and the years 1640 and 1740, — the former being 
the year when the Great Elector came to the govern- 
ment, — the latter, the year when Frederick the Great 
on the death of his father, ascended the throne. Some 
friends to whom I communicated my address, earnestly 
besought me to change the subject, being of opinion 
that it might affect the King — perchance displease him, 
as being an indirect exhortation to think of death. But 
I thought I knew the Christian King better, and did 
not deceive myself; — for not only did he praise the 
subject-matter of my oration, in presence of all about 
him, but said to me afterwards privately, " You will 
see, — even so will it happen in 1840 ! — Contemplating 

* About four months before his death. — Tr. 
m 2 



164 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

and expecting the approach of that great change, he 
nevertheless commanded the significant festal ceremony 
of laying the foundation-stone for a monument in honour 
of Frederick the Great, to take place. His death oc- 
curred shortly after the ceremony.* With what serene 
resignation he long looked forward to its approach, may 
be best gathered from " his last will.'" f 

Gifted by nature with a vivid temperament, it had 
become, through great experience and true piety, so 
tempered and re-moulded, that he felt exalted beyond 
the sphere of minor things; and even circumstances 
that vex and untune princes, no longer discomposed 
him. Truly he retained irritability in old age; — not 
when he was opposed by sound argument, which he 
always calmly listened to ; but when his intentions were 
wilfully misconstrued, and such as were foreign to his 
breast, substituted. Then, the indignation which filled 
his noble mind became visible, even in his countenance. 
That was the case, in the matter relative to the unfor- 
tunate Archbishop of Cologne; — not in respect of the 
difference of church confession, which difference he> as 
Protestant Christian, perfectly understood ; and which, 
as King, he suffered not to bias his mind, governing as 

* Namely, 15th June, 1840 : consequently only a few days before 
his death. 

f See Religious Life and Opinions of Frederick William III. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 165 

he did, his Roman Catholic and Evangelical subjects 
with equal justice and mildness : — but because uncalled- 
for meddlers, contrary to facts known to all the world, 
and ungrateful for benefits received, boldly maintained 
the contrary ; — even attributing to our straightforward, 
honest, and inoffensive King, cunning and deceitful 
purposes. That was a calumny which caused his pure 
soul amazement and grief. He nevertheless found 
support and consolation in the consciousness of having 
laboured uprightly, and left with confidence to the 
Heir-apparent, his illustrious successor, — the extrica- 
tion of that complicated matter, — instigated and fos- 
tered as it was by malignant powers. The love of his 
subjects was his greatest treasure. His resignation, and 
tender-heartedness, grew daily more prominent ; — each 
small attention, and even delicate handing of refresh- 
ment, was received with thanks, and all his farewell looks 
were, verily, benedictory loving-kindnesses. His genuine 
affection and childlike-mindedness were remarkably dis- 
played towards his under-chamberlain the day before his 
death. When Kienast presented him a cup of bouille, — 
the dying King motioned it away, saying : "I cannot 
take it !" — But the trusty and anxious man desisted not, 
adding : " The medical gentlemen have ordered it, and 
sinking strength requires support ;" — the invalid re- 
joined, " My children, I desire it not — do not trouble 



166 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

me r — The attached servant nevertheless continued to 
beseech him to take the broth ; and with pitiful expres- 
sion of sorrow, such as is often used towards beloved 
equals, he said, " Well then, your Majesty, do drink 
it, if only to please me V — Tears at the same time 
gushing from his eyes, he left the room hastily, placing 
the cup in the hands of his constant nurse, and affec- 
tionate Consort, the Princess of Liegnitz,* who was 
sitting close to the bed. " The kindly-meaning man P 
uttered the dying King ; — " did you remark his tears, 
my dear Augusta? — Drink it instead of me, that on 
his return, seeing the cup empty, he may feel consoled." 

Never did our memorable King wound the feelings of 
any one intentionally ; and when dying, he treated his 
attending servant with the same mild consideration and 
good-will as when in health. To acquire such evenness 
of mind, and having acquired it, to preserve it ; is what 
happens to few in so exalted a degree. Power too 
often produces egotism — strength, severity — and love, 
weakness. 

So perfect a character as Frederick William III. 

* The King was married a second time, namely, to the Countess 
Augusta Harrock. She did not take the title of Queen, or Royal 
Highness — the latter rank, however, was conferred on her by the 
present Sovereign, on his accession. There were no children by 
this latter marriage ; — had there been any, they would not have 
been in the line of succession. — Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WlLLIA*\i 111. 167 

acquired in life's school, — is a phenomenon partaking of 
the antique grandiose, and such as is rarely met with on 
the broad page of history. 

Resignation is not wholly a passive power, as shown 
under sufferings — but active, in its efficacious working. 
There is a resignation proceeding from Philosophy, 
which acquainted with the laws and power of necessity, 
produces in strong minds stoical energy, and though in- 
sufficient to rule destiny, is capable of looking it boldly 
in the face, — thereby lessening its strength. The noble 
Garve was for years a martyr to incessant tic-doloreux ; 
and his treatise on " Patience " developes such a mass 
of deep and powerful philosophic-resignation, that one 
cannot help loving and honouring the resolute sufferer. 
But there is a more lofty state of resignation, attainable 
to all, and of which we may say, " verily, this is beyond 
the teachings of Solomon, Socrates and Plato !" simple 
in its name, deep in its meaning, and of inexhaustible 
riches ; — 'tis called Christian-resignation — the soothing 
angel of human life ! 

Such pious Christian resignation, forming itself in the 
mind and understanding, becomes a lively faith in a 
Divine Providence, which encompasses and inspires 
the immeasurable whole, even as the natural atmo- 
sphere surrounds and vivifies each bosom. This highest 
power, at the same time highest wisdom and goodness — 



168 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

is near to every one ; for in it we live, and move, and 
have our being. It equally loves and values all ; esteem- 
ing not the illustrious owner of palaces more than the 
humble inhabitant of the cottage : for all are the works 
of its hands, and its grace is the chief good. Although 
it numbereth the stars, and calleth them by name — 
leading forth the immeasurable host, as a shepherd doth 
his flock, — it is mindful of every wounded heart, and 
assuageth its pangs. As without its will no sparrow 
falleth from the house-top, so no hair from our heads 
droppeth to the earth without its knowledge. The days 
of our lives, with their alternations of joy and sorrow, 
are written in its book before we are born. Under its 
guidance and disposition, there is no destiny, no fate, no 
chance, nothing fortuitous. — All, whether contemplated 
from the bright or shadowy side, is of its permission, 
sending, ordaining. The seeming entanglements and 
confusions that in a million of ways mark an historical 
century — even as the perplexed hours of individuals 
are purposed, and firmly — though silently — led by one 
hand, to one great terminus — a heaven of eternal Halle- 
lujahs ! It knows not of compulsion, gains the whole 
heart, and all breathe in it the freedom of love. 

This love banishes every fear, and by this love, as if 
carried in maternal arms — everything — even the bitterest 
circumstance in life — must work for good. This love 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 169 

harmonizes freedom-of-will with the direction and march- 
route of life — also with the most enigmatical ; so that only 
the one great watchword remaineth: "All by the grace 
of God! all according to his will P In this resigna- 
tion to, and dependence on God, centres the brightness 
and power, the joy and comfort, of life ; and from it flows 
an animating peace, infinitely surpassing that produced 
by reason. With this peace, in which the visible and 
invisible harmonize, the poor become rich ; without it, 
harassed by hidden contradictions, the rich are poor 
indeed. 

This resignation makes no noise, no show ; its glance 
is freely and stedfastly above, whence it came, and 
whence it receives new strength. It is suited to every 
calling ; exalts the master, and reins-in the servant ; it 
humbles the rich ; consoles the poor ; makes the wife 
silent, gentle, and confiding ; protects from despair the 
hopeless; revives the sick, and heartens-up those who 
are weary of life. However oppressive the burdens and 
duties of life may be, Christian resignation lightens 
them ; sheds a ray o'er every gloom, and is, to the dark- 
ness of the sepulchre, the aurora of an everlasting day. 

These psychological remarks have been necessary, that 
the ground- work of the King's character — resignation — 
might not only be placed in its right light, but that its 



170 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

importance, strength and mellowness, as developed in 
his conduct, should be duly appreciated. 

Now that he has disappeared from the theatre of the 
world, and his field of action open to our view — the 
object and direction of his career unveiled, we see how 
he grew to what he became ; the parts being collected, 
the whole forms a beautiful picture, on which the eye 
dwells with satisfaction. 

From the historical lives of great potentates analogies 
might be produced, but we will choose an anomalous 
example, namely, the Emperor Napoleon Buonaparte, in 
whom the contrast makes the truth of the axiom more 
apparent. 

He was, beyond dispute, a remarkable man ; and 
possessed within himself a mass of powers, such as 
rendered him equal, if not superior, to most of the 
heroes of history. So he appeared to the world, on 
the world's wide stage ; — fearfully great, so long as the 
sun of fortune shone upon him ; but not so when the 
night of adversity set in. 

Instead of reconciling himself to his destiny, and by 
the power of resignation acquiring mental treasures for 
lost possessions, — thereby remaining in himself great 
and independent ; he brawled with his misfortunes and 
succumbed. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 171 

A few days before the decisive attack on Montniartre, 
he sent back, with disdain, the proposals for an honour- 
able peace, made to him by the allied powers ; adding the 
arrogant threat that he would dictate the peace at the 
gates of Vienna and Berlin.* 

* Arrogance and resignation were never more interestingly con- 
trasted, than in the remarkable, though little known historical 
scene which took place between the Emperor Napoleon and Pope 
Pius VII., in 1804. The latter being in Paris, the Emperor be- 
came anxious to gain over the Holy Father to his object and pur- 
poses ; — he therefore left no means untried, whether of kindness 
or severity, to make the firm Prince of the Church more pliable. 
Determined to open his mind to the Pope, he invited him to a 
secret conference, and awaited the arrival of the Holy Father in 
the Chamber of Audience. Napoleon (so relates one of his 
Chamberlains, who was all the time in an adjoining alcove unre- 
marked) paced the room much agitated, and with an iron instru- 
ment stabbed and bored the chairs and tables, as he was wont 
when excited. At last the Holy Father entered, calmly, and with 
much solemnity : — with due respect the Emperor offered him a mag- 
nificent chair, whereupon he seated himself. The then recently 
anointed Emperor, in a confidential and agreeable manner, stated 
to the Holy Father his wishes, begging and advising him to 
transfer the Papal chair from Rome to Paris, and inhabit one of 
the imperial palaces, that so, in community with himself, the whole 
earth might be governed from the world's metropolis ! — that his 
revenue should be doubled ; moreover, he should have a brilliant 
body-guard appointed, and share with him in all worldly dominion, 
power, and glory, as confrater. 

Pope Pius VII. heard this high-flown speech and promises with 
the utmost serenity, and when finished, merely uttered the word, 
" Comediante /" 

" What !" cried the enraged Emperor, starting from his chair ; 
"la comedian ! Priest, our friendship is ended." Snorting, and 



172 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

Frederick William III. learned and practised resigna- 
tion to a degree, and in a manner never recorded in the 
annals of history : — and it was tested to the utmost 
during the years 1811, 1812. 

All that he then suffered and bore, was only known 
to those who were immediately about the King's person ; 
for he was limited to Charlottenburg and Potsdam, nay, 
almost a prisoner, — watched as he was, by the Argus- 
eyes of Corsican craftiness. Exposed to offences from 
the French marshals — nearly amounting to personal 
insult — which were intended to stimulate him to wrath 
and thereby to open rupture — that so he might give 
a desired pretext for the annihilation of the kingdom of 
Prussia: — his clear glance, and heaven-directed mind, 
penetrated the same, — and he was enabled to avoid with 
wisdom every diabolical enticement to open resentment. 

pacing the room, he seized on a beautiful piece of mosaic work, 
representing St. Peter's Church in Rome, which stood on the 
table, and dashing it on the floor, thundered out, " Dost see ! — 
even so will I break thee, thy chair, thy church, and thy rule. 
The day of wrath (dies irae) is o'er thee." 

The Holy Father, with the same serenity as before, replied by a 
single word, 

" Tragediante /" 
at the same time with perfect coolness and dignity, he left the 
room. 

And the Pope lived to witness the downfall of Napoleon, his 
cause, rule, and dynasty, whilst Pius VII. continued at the head 
of the hierarchy, and died at a great age in his Vatican. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 173 

He well knew himself, was aware of his situation, and 
remained collected. The urgency advanced, the compli- 
cations increased, and the monstrous state of affairs un- 
veiled themselves when accounts arrived that the Emperor 
Napoleon — armed more formidably than ever — purposed 
to invade Russia. The potentates of Germany were 
summoned to meet him in Dresden, as were they so 
many feudal Lords, — from them he demanded contin- 
gent troops, and even the King was compelled through 
his position, to promise a corps-d^armee to act against 
his personal friend and ally, the Emperor Alexander. 

The arrogant demands on the one side, and the 
necessary yielding to the force of circumstances on the 
other, rose to the unnatural, — so that the resignation, 
and political compliance, of the heavily-tested sufferer 
was tried to the very uttermost. 

Those who suppose that the King, during this fright- 
ful state of affairs, — was passive, constrained, and spirit- 
less, have formed a most erroneous opinion of him. His 
lofty and noble nature remained free, calm, and collected ; 
and he developed at this very time a moral strength, 
which possibly assisted more than anything else, to bring 
about the great result. 

During this oppressive and ignominious time, I had 
occasion to preach in his presence, and chose for 
my text : " Blessed is the man," &c. 



174 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE 

After the public, worship was ended, I was sum- 
moned to the King, who expressed himself satisfied 
with the address. Truly he said nothing about the 
then situation of political affairs, but he spoke animatedly 
of the invigorating and calming power of Christian 
resignation, ending his remark with these memorable 
words, " Come what will — through it I shall be best able 
to benefit others and myself: — tranquil confidence in 
Him, who holds the future in his hand, and who can and 
will extricate — is wisdom and duty." 

Brought into sorrows through the narrow-mindedness, 
weakness, and sinfulness of caste and party-spirit, he 
saw that the true power of a people consisted in the 
totality and unison of all its strengths; he therefore 
gave to every order in the state a free action within 
due limitations, — and burst asunder the fetters of fa- 
vouring privileges. He hung on the breast of the brave 
Landwehrman, the same Iron-cross that adorned the 
loyal bosom of the valiant General, for both were to 
him equally dear and worthy : and to the burgesses he 
gave freedom and power, in Municipal Affairs. He 
emancipated from serfism the peasantry, and freed the 
yeoman from vassal dependence on the whims of mano- 
rial lords. Hence Prussia contains none but Freemen. 

Worried by exorbitant demands, pressed down by 
overwhelming contributions, and himself and family 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 175 

limited to bare necessities, — he nevertheless spurned the 
proposition of declaring a national bankruptcy, in these 
words, " In misfortune ; but not dishonourable !" — He 
sent his gold service to the Mint, and forbade the use of 
costly wines at his table. 

Deep and smartingly did he lament, that even Saxons, 
Brunswickers, Hessians, Bavarians, Wirtemburgers, &c. 
&c, should be found in the ranks of the enemy ; and 
he, a true german, felt for the ignominy and real state of 
Germany. The great desire of his soul was, that German 
Fatherland should be one in interest as in language ; 
and he established, to his own financial loss, the Ger- 
man Customs-Union, as a sure and powerful means of 
binding and advancing the mercantile prosperity and 
political greatness of Germany. 

He kept the rudder of the state in his experienced 
hand to the last, and never ceased to take an active part 
in the Government. He had reached the high and vene- 
rated position of senior potentate of Europe ; and his 
reputation materially maintained the peace of the 
world ; — for he stood in the middle point of public 
affairs, where his will and sagacity decided. His eye 
contemplated the Government in the hands of his Illus- 
trious Son with calmness and hope ; and he could write 
down with serenity and exalted fatherly joy several 
years before his death, the important words — 



176 CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS AND DOMESTIC LIFE, &C. 

" Thy principles and intentions, my beloved son, are 
pledges for me that thou wilt be a father unto thy 
people." 

Even so did he loosen himself from earthly ties, — 
acquiring a freedom of mind which knew no sublunary 
limitations. He still possessed, — but, as if he had re- 
signed ; — and was glad — without rejoicing. 

This resignation exalted Frederick William III., in 
the latter years of his life, above temporalities. The 
clouds and storms which enveloped his destiny had 
subsided, and were now beneath his feet. On its height 
he stood in holy calmness — behind him a life full 
of labour and trouble ; around him a rich harvest- 
field ; before him a near eternity, with its promises ; 
and himself, now greater than his work — which was 
finished — had become " ripe for a loftier order of 
things.'' ' 

" And in 1840, when the day of Pentecost was come, 
all stood, all his children together, with one accord " — 
near to his death-bed, atmosphered by the peace of God; 
— and in communion with their prayers and tears, he 
calmly and blessedly breathed his last. 



William Stevens, Printer, Bell Yard, Temple Bar. 



THE 

RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

OK 

FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 



KING OF PRUSSIA. 



DEDICATION. 



TO HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY, 

THE QUEEN DOWAGER. 

may it please your majesty, 

Madam, 

The high estimation in which 
Your Majesty is held by the people of this 
Nation for your many virtues, renders my 
gratitude most lively for your condescension 
in granting me permission to dedicate this 
volume to Your Majesty. 

The gracious assurance of Your Ma- 
jesty's august Patronage of this Translation 
from the copious and energetic German 
language, will undoubtedly secure general 
approbation of my effort to do justice to 
the truthfulness and simplicity of a narra- 
tive, — the greater part of which falls from 
a2 



iv DEDICATION. 

the lips of the wise, pious, and excellent, 
departed Monarch, Frederick William III., 
King of Prussia. 

That the blessing of improved health 
may be vouchsafed to Your Majesty, is the 
dutiful, and sincere wish of the translator, — 
who rejoices at having the honour of thus 
publicly recording that hope, — and of sub- 
scribing himself, 

May it please your Majesty, 
Madam, 
Your Majesty's 
Most devoted and most humble Servant, 



JONATHAN BIRCH. 



PREFACE. 



That a Translation of the religious life 
and opinions of Frederick William III., late 
King of Prussia, as embodied in the vene- 
rable Bishop Eylert's Characteristic Traits 
of that Monarch, would be acceptable to the 
British public, was the conviction of my 
mind when perusing his interesting and ela- 
borate compilation of Facts : therefore have 
I selected therefrom, all that relates to that 
branch of the King's character; consti- 
tuting thereby, in small compass, an im- 
portant historical work of the highest Au- 
thority — the present volume. 

I have gone to my labour most cordially; 
because, having resided many years in 
Prussia, — particularly those of 1806, 7, 
and 8, the Bishop's graphic and delight- 
ful descriptions — true to life — come home 
to me, — and the opinions I then formed 
of his Majesty ; so that, after a lapse of 36 



vi PREFACE. 

years, I can think I see, as then, the bowed, 
but ever Great Monarch. 

Neither time, nor victories, appear to have 
altered him in voice, manner, dress, or gait ; 
for there he is, admirably portrayed by the 
good Bishop, — the kind, indomitable, deep- 
thinking Father of his People. 

Many a time, in those days, have I ob- 
served* His late Majesty pass to and fro 
the Linden avenue — his usual place of pro- 
menade — in his long, undress military coat, 
without attendant : calm, dignified, and 
sombre, — as one seriously communing with 
self, — to appearance not noticing, and cer- 
tainly not wishing to be noticed. 

The strength and elasticity of mind dis- 
played by the King during those times of 
accumulated and undeserved misfortunes, 
which weighed so heavily on His Royal 
House and People, has ever been my ad- 
miration, and wonderment. 

I have felt another stimulus, powerfully 
urging me to the compilation of this 
volume, namely, — desire of introducing 
that illustrious Monarch to my country- 
men, in his character of a true Christian, 
and conscientious Church Reformer. 

* From the dwelling-house of the late honourable and respected 
merchant, John Argelander, of Memel, — h most northern city in 
Prussia.— Tb. 



PREFACE. vii 

The translation of religious opinions is at 
all times a matter of great delicacy, — more 
particularly so in this instance, coming, as 
they chiefly do, from the lips of royalty, in 
almost apostolic aphorisms. There is a con- 
ventionality in religious expressions, and ten- 
der shades of meaning attached to words, as 
well as to sentences, which to translate, re- 
quires a knowledge of the persons, and pecu- 
liar turn of mind, of the party represented, 
and the party representing ; — a divergence 
therefore from the exact barter-value of a 
term, or sentiment intended to be expressed 
by the sentence, might clothe wisdom in the 
garb of folly, or take from the Clergyman, 
or pious King his scriptural orthodoxy. 

My anxiety on the score of nicety of trans- 
lation, has been pleasingly relieved by the 
kind offer of a Prussian Clergyman, to solve 
any difficulties that might arise. I avail 
myself therefore of this opportunity, to offer 
to the Rev. A. Sydow, the estimable col- 
league of the venerable Bishop Eylert in 
theCourt-and-Garrison Church of Potsdam,, 
my sincere thanks for the assistance his inti- 
mate knowledge of the Parties, and the two 
languages, has enabled him to render me, 

I have introduced the following " Re- 
ligious Life and Opinions of the King," by 



viii PREFACE. 

some remarks made by the Bishop on the 
first French Revolution, which naturally 
leading to Napoleon, and through him to the 
temporary prostrate state of the Prussian 
Monarchy, exhibits the immediate cause of 
the King's becoming so decidedly pious. 
The oppressions Prussia had to endure, 
lasted full six years, during which the King's 
faith was established ; and he planned and 
carried out many sweeping improvements 
in the State, — and purposed a reforming- 
union of the Lutheran and Calvinistic 
Churches, which in 1817, October 31st,* 
he brought to bear. But during that 
time, the King did not allow the Civil Re- 
formations to engross his attention ; he 
had his eye ever fixed on the military ; 
and although he was not allowed by his 
oppressor more than a standing army of 
40,000 men, nevertheless he prepared for 
an interposition of Divine Providence by 
drawing in, exercising, and sending home 
again, many more recruits than were ne- 
cessary for contingencies: I am certain 
that that was the case with the Fusileer 



* That being the third centenary of the Reformation ; for on that 
day, namely, October 31, 1517, did Luther nail on the door of the 
Palace Church in Wittenberg — of which university he was a Doctor 
of Divinity— 90 theses for disputation.— Tr. 



PREFACE. ix 

Battalion stationed in Memel, in 1810 
and 1811. The King was determined on 
the redemption of his country, and he 
knew how to prepare for, and await the 
appointed time. 

It may be stated without impugning 
the King's educational Christianity, that 
his conversion to the true spiritualities of 
the Christian Faith took place in the years 
1808 and 1809, in Konigsberg, through the 
frank preaching and conversations of the 
good Dr. Borowsky, of which the King 
gives so pleasing a description. See pages 
7 and 8, and 14 to 17. 

The genuineness and historical impor- 
tance of this portion of the King's charac- 
ter will be readily admitted, — the greater 
part being the King's own narrations, and 
aphorisms committed to paper almost im- 
mediately after utterance, — consequently as 
nearly as possible his actual words. 

I must here allude to a point, much 
dwelt on, and which the King had con- 
scientiously at heart : the very terms used 
having a tendency to stagger timorous 
Christians, — therefore requiring from me a 
few explanatory words, as to its real bear- 
ings in the King's mind. I mean " Confes- 
sor and Special Confession;" — the King's 



x PREFACE. 

wish that the latter should supersede 
" general confession at the sacrament of 
the Lord's Supper," emanated from his 
own experience — he, having felt peculiar 
consolation and comfort from the honest 
outpourings of his heart and mind, not only 
to God, but to a Christian Clergyman : — he 
therefore believed, that comfort and con- 
solation, advice and admonition so derived, 
would be beneficial to the people at large in 
a still more essential degree, — inasmuch as 
they, living amongst their equals, would, 
from the exhortations and faithful counsel 
given by a minister of the Gospel, become 
better Christians and neighbours ; and many 
village discords and litigations be thereby 
avoided. Certainly the King had no inten- 
tion to make it a political engine. The 
word Confessor, which is given as I found 
it — has no weightier meaning than the same 
title borne by the resident Clergyman at St. 
James's Palace, until 1833, who was styled 
" Confessor of His Majesty's Household." 
But his duties were and are, neither more 
nor less than those of every parish priest ; 
and amongst them are to be reckoned a 
readiness to attend, and to give counsel to 
the troubled in conscience, and to move the 
sick penitent to a special confession of his 



PREFACE. xi 

sins.* — On the decease of the Reverend Dr. 
Fly, in the above-mentioned year, the word 
"Confessor" was exchanged for that of 
Chaplain — nevertheless many of the old 
school, not dreaming of a confessional, ro- 
sary, or scourge, designate the present 
chaplain by the title his predecessor bore. 

The circumstance of the King appearing 
at the theatre, on the Sunday evening of 
the day in which he reprimands non-at- 
tendance at Church in the morning, see 
page 51, may seem strange to many : yet 
all over the Continent — not excepting the 
Calvinistic Dutch, and Lutheran Swedes — 
the holy observation of the Sunday is 
considered to be over with the afternoon 
service, and the remainder of the day de- 
votable to relaxation and amusement, par- 
ticularly the theatre, — as was formerly the 
case in this country. I verily believe that 
Napoleon, aware of our national respect 
for the Sabbath, hastened on the battle 
of Waterloo — calculating that to attack 
on a Sunday might prove an extra chance 
in his favour. But he found our lads all 
ready, and ardent for the flght.-f 

* See the first exhortation to the Holy Communion, and the 
Office for the Visitation of the Sick. 

f He was used to stigmatize us as a nation of shopkeepers, and 
possibly thought we might, in degree, prove akin to the Jews of 



xii PREFACE. 

In this work many texts from the Bible 
are either quoted or referred to, — the Bishop 
not always marking them as " quotations/' 
I have preferred to translate the passages as 
I found them, rather than to give them after 
our version, — for even if intended to be cor- 
rect quotations ; they, being from Luther's 
translation, on which their immediate ap- 
plicability depends, would vary, and require 
notes of explanation. 

As to the origin of the work, and the de- 
pendence to be placed on what is recorded; 
a few quotations from the Bishop's preface 
may prove agreeable and satisfactory — 
this small volume being an integral part. 

The Bishop, strongly impressed with the 
delicacy of his undertaking, both as relates 
to himself, and the memory of the late 
King, hesitated much; for he says in his 
preface : — 

" Timorously and bashfully I commenced 
the work, and to arrange my memoranda, I 
sought this summer (1842), the undisturbed 
quiet of country solitude. Often, when af- 
frighted at the importance of my under- 



Modin, who suffered themselves to be cut to pieces, unresistingly, 
by the soldiers of Antiochus, because attacked on the Sabbath. 
1 Mace. chap. ii. ver. 38. But his presumptuous experimen- 
talizing cost him loss of glory, throne, liberty, and eventually, 
life !— Tr. 



PREFACE. xiii 

taking, I felt inclined to give it up ; but, it 
had become to me a matter of conscience, and 
my endeavours have been wholly directed 
so to keep the illustrious original in view, as 
to give with clearness, simplicity, and void- 
ance of extraneous colouring, what I have 
seen and known/' 

Speaking of the King, according to his 
more intimate knowledge of him, he says 
further on, " Many appear in the dis- 
tance great, in the approximation little ; it 
was not so with the late King : for those 
who were nearest to him, and knew him 
best, honoured and loved him most : his 
calmness and mildness increased with his 
years/' 

With respect to the integrity of the work, 
he says, " I have thought, that giving what 
I witnessed and heard, as nearly as possi- 
ble in his own words — ever scrupulously 
his own ideas — to be the best, and justest 
mode of characterizing the King." 

The world may be rather astonished at 
the length of some of the narratives falling 
from the King's lips : the Bishop, antici- 
pating such surprise, says, 

" The King is many times introduced as 
speaking, and often with diffusiveness; — this 



xiv PREFACE. 

will appear, to all who have known him from 
a distance, or only heard him at presenta- 
tions, as improbable, or foreign and adorned, 
in which the compiler, not the King, speaks. 
Truly he was naturally taciturn, and the 
Brevitas Imperatoria was in the highest 
degree peculiar to him ; and he delighted 
to speak in aphorisms and axioms, drop- 
ping even combining words, by which he 
often became incomprehensible: also he 
was an enemy to empty verbiage, which 
he called ' phraseology and speechifying,' 
becoming then, laconic and sententious : — 
but when the King remarked servility, 
ceremoniousness, and no coming to the 
point, he abruptly turned away, leaving 
expectation unsatisfied. Which often hap- 
pening in the early part of his reign, when 
he travelled ; — impressions were left be- 
hind, causing the opinion to become almost 
universal, that he had a reserved mind, and 
failed of the gift of colloquy so desirable 
and agreeable in a sovereign. But they 
erred therein greatly ; and in that respect, 
as in many others, he has been vexatiously 
misrepresented, and unjustly judged." 

The affair of the union of the Lutheran 
and Calvinistic Churches throughout the 



PREFACE. 



monarchy, and the thereout constituted 
" United Evangelical Church," was a work 
of time, anxiety, and determined perseve- 
rance. That Bishop Eylert came in for a 
ponderous share of the labour, difficulties, 
and vexations, connected with the bringing 
about, and carrying out the Kings plans ; 
appears by the following extract : — 

" To give one's opinion with decisiveness, 
and to counsel when at the highest point, 
and in the last instance, is a ticklish affair ; 
and may well occasion distress and anxiety 
to the most conscientious. Those feelings 
were my spirit's companions for years. 
Many a sad journey have I made to the 
Palace, full of disquietude of soul, at not 
having been able to effect satisfactorily the 
high matters committed to my charge — in- 
deed I always felt as if I were not by nature 
constituted for the post assigned me ; — also, 
added to my other trials, I had to bear 
the burthen of never-ceasing charges and 
insinuations ; moreover, to present, and 
support such petitions as were immediately 
addressed to the King; whereby I was 
often placed in the most distressing di- 
lemmas. — But what I may have borne and 
forborne in those times, now that I have 



xvi PREFACE. 

nearly reached the end of my earthly pil- 
grimage, I interpret differently; and hold 
the circumstance of my having stood in such 
connection, to be the most honourable and 
beneficial event of my life." 

" Now that all that is past, — the venerated 
King departed, — and placed in the grave ; 
the pure tears of pious respect and heartfelt 
thankfulness flow apace at remembrance of 
him, — and nothing remains for me but to 
bear righteous testimony, namely, That I 

HAVE NEVER KNOWN A BETTER MAN, — 
NOR A MORE SINCERE CHRISTIAN." 



THE 

RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

OF HIS LATE MAJESTY 

FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 

OF PRUSSIA. 



Unobserved — save in the after traces of the havoc and 
desolation she had left behind — was the advance of the 
dark and gloomy Nemesis, armed for the castigation of 
states and people ! — and unheeded was her warning 
voice, even when she shrieked in the ears of princes 
the mysterious admonition, " Draw not the strings too 
tightly ! — extremes destroy themselves !" 

Appalling was it to witness a whole people, 

fired by party spirit, suffer itself to be hurried on — now 
by feelings of aristocratic haughtiness — now by demo- 
cratic insolence — to frightful excesses ; — despising laws 
human and divine, and wholly forgetful of the truth 
hallowed by experience : — " A just measure of veneration 

B 



Z THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

towards existing rulers is a duty indispensably necessary 
to the firmly upholding of social order, national security, 
and the general welfare and happiness of mankind. 11 

If heretofore the attendants on, and subjects of 
royalty, have basely and slavishly renounced their in- 
herent rights — seeing, and honouring in their princes, 
gods o 1 th 1 earth ! — offering to them serfish submission 
and unqualified adulation, and estimating as of highest 
value the condescending graciousness of smiles; — so 
it is of historical notoriety, that such shallowness, 
inanity, deceit, and abandonment of character, has ever 
been liable to out-bursts which terminate in the opposite 
extreme. 

The jubilating, incense-breathing acclamations of past 
centuries, " Hosanna in the Highest ! blessed is he 
who cometh in the name o£ the Lord !" — have in our 
times been changed by the middle and lower classes of 
the people to the horrific shout of — Crucify! Crucify him ! 

Resulting from the French Revolution (which Lich- 
tenberg prophesied would make the round of Europe) 
— more particularly after the revolting murder of 
the king, — when the bounds of accustomed reverence 
which had existed for ages were broken in upon, and 
trodden under foot ; there arose amongst the people — not 
confined to political partizanship, but spread throughout 
the masses — such feelings of spitefulness and antipathy 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 3 

— such recklessness, criticism, and condemnation of 
crowned heads, as was never before displayed, — and 
which perseveringly continued during the great Buona- 
partean Drama, even to the ending of its last Act : 
which was consummated on the Island of St. Helena. 

In conformity to the eternal and unalterable laws and 
powers of the physical and moral worlds, the apathetic 
malady of the state-body, relaxed and lethargic through 
long tranquillity, (in this instance roughly shaken by the 
powerful arm of that extraordinary man,) does, after the 
crisis has been sustained, develop the stamina necessary 
to recovery and rejuvenescence ; (similia curantur simi- 
libus). 

The same man who worked his way from lieutenant 
to consul, and from consul to emperor — who opened the 
eyes of purblind princes to briny tears, humbling their 
superciliousness,* — who subjugated people and countries, 
placing his crushing foot on their necks, by overturning 

* At the jocund and witty table of a certain intellectual Crown 
Prince, the conversation turned on Napoleon Buonaparte ; it was 
suggested that each should give something extemporaneously, and 
pointed, on the subject, as relative to him ; when the turn came to 
the Prince, he said : — 

He roughly treated Princes' sons, 

And princes made of Myrmidons. 
The distich in German is inimitable, and defies satisfactory trans- 
lation ; being as follows : — 

Er buerstete die Fuersten-Kinder, 

Und fuerstete die Buersten-Binder. 
b2 



4 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

thrones and constitutions that had existed for ages, and 
filling their places with dynasties of his own; who 
fashioned anew the order of worldly circumstance, and 
created an empire which, to all appearance, was firmly 
founded for centuries : yet did that same man destroy 
his own gigantic work, by the sins of egotism, haugh- 
tiness, ambition, vanity, imperiousness, and immodera- 
tion, which he so severely punished in other rulers ; 
and he who rent and sundered the connection between 
hereditary and righteous rulers and their attached 
people in many instances, on all occasions weakening 
such ties, was, after that they had passed through the 
severe ordeal, and become purified and healed of their 
earlier faults, made the instrument of their re-establish- 
ment and blessing-bringing restoration. 

The sublime and indescribable glory of the Almighty's 
government of the occurrences of this world, is pecu- 
liarly evident. He, working by, to us, unlikely and strange 
means, advances and brings about his holy purpose : as 
in all great restituting worldly matters, so in this in- 
stance is the hand of the Deity sufficiently apparent, — 
and to the annalist is clearly marked out the only satis- 
factory and comprehensive point of view from which the 
historical study of the times may be taken and pragma- 
tically unravelled — if he is not inclined to content him- 
self with a fragmental aggregate, but to produce a his- 



OP FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 

tory that shall instruct mankind, by its ascending lines,* 
forming a combined and progressive whole. 

Impressed by that exalted and strengthening idea, 
Frederick William III. seized on the years of national 
calamity, extending from 1806 to 1813, to be the purify- 
ing period of himself and people. Such being his frame 
of mind, purpose, and aim; we can in a measure account 
for the mental power, moral strength, quiet and soul- 
greatness wherewith he bore, without bitterness, the 
reiterated blows of misfortune that fell on his country 
in rapid succession, and the magnanimity wherewith he 
endured the many personal mortifications to which he 
was subjected. It is possible that no sovereign through- 
out seven long years of oppression has had, like to him, 
the bitter cup of suffering ever at his lips : truly the 
bitterness sunk deeply into his whole being ; but he 
recognized the Almighty hand which presented it, and 
with resolution he drank of it to the dregs with eye of 
faith directed to heaven, and it was vouchsafed him to 
bear and act towards his personal opponents and slan- 
derers, with resignation and magnanimity. 

The sorrow-seeds which produced this precious and 
heavenly fruit were sown and germed whilst still blessed 
with the companionship of his angelic consort, the ex- 

* This has reference to a publication, entitled " Leben's laufe in 
aufsteigende Lime." — Tr. 



6 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

cellent Queen, in Konigsberg, during the years 1806, 
1807, 1808, and 1809,* to which city his powerful enemy 
had driven him back ; — it was there, on the edge of a 
yawning and frightful abyss, the great and merciful Re- 
finer had placed on the seething fire of adversity the 
crucible of his purification, — where, freed from alloy and 
dross, the silver glance of the pure metal developed 
itself, brightly shining to the end of his earthly career. 

At that important period — virtually the rubicon of his 
public as of his spiritual life — it happened that Dr. Bo- 
rowsky (afterwards Archbishop in Konigsberg) filled the 
offices of principal court preacher and superintendent of 
that place : in him the King found, to his great joy, a 
very apostle of Jesus Christ. 

To no ecclesiastic has his Majesty been so spiritually 
indebted as to that original and remarkable man ; — and 
none did the King personally value and love equal to 
him, for no one's individualities of mind, so suited the 
King's temper and liking, as did his. 

In the anguish moments of the King's regeneration, 
that divine was ever near and by him, to foster and 
strengthen the fresh and healthful life-shoot, that in a 
few years later was to bring forth the regeneration of 

* The Bishop has fallen into mistake here, for the King and 
royal family left Konigsberg for Memel in the early part of 1807, 
and did not return to Konigsberg until the summer of 1808.— Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM IU. 7 

the Prussian monarchy ; — for what the immortal and 
illustrious minister, von Stein, # effected politically, was 
materially aided and furthered by Dr. Borowsky's spi- 
ritual and encouraging teaching. It was a very luxury 
to hear the otherwise word-chary and praise-sparing 
King expatiate on his favourite, in what may be 
termed eloquent fondness; — a confidential correspond- 
ence was maintained between them, which ceased only 
at the prelate's death. 

A few years before the Archbishop's demise, the 
King asked me if I had seen the recently opened ex- 
hibition of paintings and works of art in Berlin, — my 
answer being in the affirmative, he gave me to under- 
stand that he required not a succinct description of 
what had riveted my attention, but solely to know 
whether I had observed a small copper-plate engraving 
of Dr. Borowsky? Having answered " Yes," adding, 
that it was no novelty to me, inasmuch as the Doctor 
had presented me with one — "Ei, Ei," rejoined the 
King, " and not one for me ? the naughty, excellent 
man ! he knows not how strongly I am attached to him, 
and how much I prize even his likeness. I have, how- 
ever, possessed myself of one, and at this moment it 

* v. Stein aided the King in the civil branch of his reforma- 
tions. The King was compelled to dismiss that great minister, 
at the desire of Napoleon. — Tr. 



8 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

hangs in my bed-chamber ; — you may tell him so — you 
correspond with him ?" — " Yes, many years." — " I am 
glad of it — continue to do so : — he is a man from whom 
much is to be learned. You sent him your last coro- 
nation-and-order oration ! " # 

I hankered to know what had been the real cause 
of the decided attachment which the King displayed 
towards that ecclesiastic ; but as the above expressions 
had taken place at table, in the presence of many 
guests, I suppressed my curiosity, determined to await 
a more fitting opportunity — when the King might be 
alone. This happened ere long at Paretz ; + — being in- 
vited to accompany his Majesty on one of his solitary 
strolls, I then received from his own lips the following 
remarkable and never-to-be-forgotten narration : — 

" You must picture to yourself Borowsky as a pro- 
phet of the Old, or an apostle of the New Testament ; 
but as that may be saying rather too much, you may 
value him as a counterpart of those great originals. 
Everything about him carries the impress of his station, 
— fertile and solid,- — meek and serene, — artless and 
single-minded, — genuine and candid ; — in him is to be 



* A festival held every year to commemorate the coronation, and 
the founding of the several Prussian orders of knighthood. — Tr. 

f A retired village, about 12 miles from Potsdam, where there 
is a royal chateau — the King's favourite resort in summer. — Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. V 

seen the veritable Christian churchman, void of dis- 
tasteful affectation and pedantry. And so it ought 
and must be, if the man is so thoroughly imbued with 
the calling of his adoption as to feel it is a part of 
himself: this is what I sorely miss in the divines of 
the present day. Every profession gives to those whose 
whole souls are in it — a peculiar something, by which 
they are readily distinguished. The lawyer grounds him- 
self in, and rests on his positive law. The philosopher 
on his insight into all that he draws into the forum of 
his speculative reasoning. The naturalist on his re- 
searches into the laws and powers of nature. The soldier 
on the word of command, which is the form and rule of 
his life. Each of those callings has its own peculiar 
sphere ; and its limitation is what gives it consistency, 
solidity, and repose, in the centre point of the periphery. 
On the other hand, I find in the evangelical clergymen 
of our times, an evident and palpable liquefaction and 
divergency, a wavering, guessing, presuming, imagining ; 
with the one so, with another so, as suits the colouring 
and blending of the shifting ideas of the day. I well 
know that in the empire of religious truth, slothfulness 
is death ; but mutability begets insecurity, and in the 
wavering loses all firm footing. The desire to attain to 
perfection is a never-resting, original impulse of human 
nature ; but without a deep-laid foundation it throws 



10 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

up no safe advance towards improvement ; and what in 
the desire for novelty may for a time so appear, is 
nothing more than a rambling and erring about, whereby 
experience loses itself; it is, after all, but a daring 
experimentalizing. I require of a Christian clergyman, 
at least, that he carry the impress, and is, in word 
and deed — a servant of the Church. 

" In too many this appears only when clad in their 
official garments, — and disappears the moment they put 
on the less sombre coat of modern fashion, — and mix in 
company as of the world. I am, however, not of opinion 
that our church doctrine, according to the symbolical 
books * of the Church, should be considered so defini- 
tive in form, as to admit of no change : on the con- 
trary, I am convinced that fructified from the inex- 
haustible fulness of the Holy Scriptures, and limited by 
its decisive authority — making use of the result com- 
mensurate with advance of the times — rejuvenescence 
would be obtained, and the evangelical Church would 
develop and preserve a never-failing healthy life, power- 
ful for good works. 

* Might be rendered, standard books, of which are chiefly: — 



Lutheran. 
The Confession of Augsburg. 
Apology of the Confession. 
Schmalkalder's Articles. 
Luther's Catechism. 



Reformed. 
The Catechism of Heidelburg. 
Confession of Siegismond. 

Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 11 

" But she must have a positive system, showing 
whereon she is, will be, and shall be, — what she is, 
and by which she may be distinguished from all other 
churches : such to be guarded and watched over as the 
Holy Thing; for communion is the only binding and 
concentrating power of the community. 

" Is, however, the grand object of the Church lost, 
or split into countless vistas, — each dissentient making 
a religion for himself, instead of receiving in faith that 
which is given in the Divine revelation, — understanding 
under the word freedom of conscience, a liberty and 
right to do so, calling it Protestantism, — then will there 
be a never-ending protesting, until nothing remains of 
the positive value and contents of biblical Christianity. 
Such direction and disposition of the spirit of the times 
would undoubtedly place the evangelical Church in an 
anarchical position. 

" Whilst those of the higher and educated degrees 
content themselves with philosophy, aesthetics, and lite- 
rature of the day — being hardly conscious of having 
fallen from connection with the Church, — the middle 
and under classes of the people — who at least feel a 
church requisite on Sundays and festivals — go astray 
not knowing whereon they are, or what they should 
hold to. 

" The belief of our forefathers in the fundamental 



12 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

dogmas of our holy religion, is (thanks to the variety 
of systems and parish pastors who preach them) no 
more the belief of the children. The inclination for 
domestic devotion which heretofore was the order of the 
day in Christian families, is consequently dropped ; 
where, however, such is no longer honoured and prac- 
tised, the warm desire for public worship is all but 
extinct. 

" The clergyman loses his earlier respect and the 
trust reposed in him, when he ceases to officiate in 
conformity to the binding rules of the Church, sub- 
stituting personal views, which he knows he cannot up- 
hold as proceeding from authority. 

" I hate from my soul tyranny and wavering in 
weighty matters ; and at the same time it is unbear- 
able when the servants of the Church, whose holy 
calling is to strengthen, confirm, and uphold, are 
themselves not firmly established in the faith : — yet 
how can they be firm in transcendental affairs, not 
having a faith fixed ; and being ready to barter the 
unchangeable and eternal authority of God\s Word for 
the transient phantasmagorias of human authority ; 
and the Word of God, which can never be overthrown — 
interpret, model, and daub over with the varnish of 
modern times — having no analogy to the doctrines of 
our Church? 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 13 

" I have myself gathered sad experience in that 
respect. 

" When travelling, I have ever found pleasure in in- 
specting churches ; and whenever I can so arrange it, I 
rejoice to attend the public worship ; yet seldom have 
I been comforted and edified on such occasions. 

" The majority of the clerical gentlemen that I have 
heard when journeying, have used the biblical text as a 
merely selected motto : instead of practically explaining 
and pressing the vivifying essence of the same on the 
hearts of their hearers, they have fretted and fumed 
themselves into a heat by empty declamation and far- 
fetched oratorical flourishes, to my grievous annoyance. 
But I have experienced still greater vexation, when con- 
versing with them on their being presented to me. 

" Few stood before me like men ! the majority suited 
themselves by manner and word to my expressions — de- 
termined to say only that which they presumed would 
prove agreeable — scarcely one differed with me : flexi* 
bly they acquiesced in all my opinions, even such as I 
threw off only to prove their insincerity. Flattery is 
at all times disagreeable to me, but most so from the 
lips of a clergyman, who, though standing before his 
country's King, should never forget that he, filling the 
exalted office of a servant of Jesus Christ, should be 
there and everywhere the frank attestator of truth. 



14 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

u Such a man was and is my beloved Borowsky ; and 
for that reason is he so dear to me. He stood by me, 
and I by him, during the dark and oppressive time, when 
I had need of comfort, and verily felt a yearning for 
consolation ; but he administered no calming pallia- 
tives — his were radical remedies, even when they were 
harsh and occasioned pain. 

" The circumstances that led to the unfortunate 
times, when I, my house and people, were struck down, 
he sought not to gloss with opiative excuses, but frankly 
laid bare the fundamental causes, and placed them in 
their true colours before my eyes — not sparing me. 

" Whatever he said was not the so called submissive 
advice, — neither the well-intentioned counsel, where the 
adoption or non-adoption depended on my will and 
pleasure. No : all he said was clothed in biblical sen- 
tences, having the power of the will and commands of 
God — and I valued what he said as such. 

" He made me conversant with prophetic theology, of 
which I was wholly ignorant until then. He proved to 
me, from the world's history and its annalled trans- 
actions, illumined by the light of biblical prophecy, that 
in conformity to the Divine government of the world, a 
regenerated and improved people would always rise again, 
and that an immoral and arrogant people had ever been 
abased. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 15 

" With a serene and inspired confidence he an- 
nounced to me better and more happy times ! fully con- 
vinced that the heavy dispensation that had befallen our 
country, if well turned and bravely borne, would prove 
the means and way to greater national prosperity than 
ever. 

" If, in those awful times, big with the fate of Prussia, 
when all appeared dark and gloomy, I doubted — and 
fretfully asked after the how, where, and when 1 the 
good man displayed, in the most amiable manner, his 
discontent ; — took hold of the button of my coat, patted 
me on the shoulder, shook me by the hand, and spoke 
with the earnestness and dignity of a Nathan : ■ You 
must learn to believe. It happens to man according to 
his faith.' All this was factly and personally new to me ; 
so had I never been addressed before. 

" His earnestness and severe frankness estranged me 
not ; on the contrary, they drew me nearer to him, for 
they were evidently the outflowing of purest sympathy. 
I must say that a certain pious, tender anxiety, was so 
apparent in that original and excellent man, that his so- 
ciety became to me indispensable. Also the Queen, in 
her noble and pure spirit, who had so active a sympathy 
for all that was true and exalting, delighted in him ; and 
requested that he should be our daily evening guest at 
the tea-table, whether invited or not ; he never came 



16 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

however, unless especially requested, — and too often he 
excused himself, saying frankly, *I cannot spare the 
time.' 

" He had not visited us for many days ; when he 
came, the Queen, in her friendly manner, chid him for 
absenting himself so long ; his reply was, ' I have but 
followed the counsel of Holy Writ ! which says, Press 
not thyself into Kings' houses ; ' but this was uttered in 
such a true-hearted tone, and with such sincerity and 
meekness, that that, and all other searching truths 
falling from his lips, offended not — on the contrary, they 
verily did one good. There was keenness of point too 
in all he said ; which not being intended to wound, 
merely awakened me to reflection. 

" Withal he is an agreeable, entertaining, often 
witty associate, — possessing a frank and childlike sim- 
plicity ; and owing to his temperate and frugal habits 
he then felt no dyspepsia or bodily ailings : * in fact 
he was always cheerful. 

" Never did he request anything of me — never hinted 
at any boon for himself; it was therefore evident, that 
nothing but the purest, disinterested heart-affection 
bound him to me. 

* Dr. Borowsky, Archbishop in Konigsberg, lived to the age of 
ninety, and to the last went through his official duties with vigour 
and cheerfulness. — Tb. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 17 

" Such was the conduct of this peculiarly excellent 
man towards me in every situation ; even when I was 
most dejected, and would fain have been alone, his 
visits were ever new, and agreeable to me. I have no 
one so greatly to thank for my Christian knowledge and 
strength, as that good man. 

" He nurtured in me a decidedness and positive firm- 
ness, without lessening my feelings of regard and indul- 
gence, for free and liberal views in general. 

" Knowing whereon I am as relates to myself, and 
what I have to believe, guard, and perfect, — I have be- 
come more composed and tolerant towards the inex- 
haustible, inimical, and ever varying judgments of men. 

" Borowsky, by continually leading my thoughts 
towards the Most High, helped me, in an especial man- 
ner, to moderate the bitterness that had seized on my 
heart in the crushing year 1806, and which threatened 
to fix itself there ; whereby I was rendered able and 
inclined to forgive my personal opponents and enemies ; 
and consequently, more fitted to do good." 

So spake the never-to-be-forgotten King, — with 
earnestness, dignity, and perfect open-heartedness rela- 
tive to the time of his heaviest sufferings, — sometimes 
walking, sometimes standing, — now sitting, and anon 
leaning against a tree. 

If I have here recorded with perspicuity and truth, 



18 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

what fell from his lips, — so do I own my incapability of 
imparting to the reader the charm of that noble sim- 
plicity and nature, wherewith he thought, felt, and ex- 
pressed himself on this occasion. He ended, fixing his 
eyes above and clasping his hands, with these words : 
" So did God, at all times and seasons, even during my 
heaviest calamity, miraculously help and bless. To Him 
alone be the honour and praise." 

Fear-of-God, — in its primitive and fullest meaning, 
is the real and appropriate term by which we may de- 
signate the King's religious feelings, as they really were ; 
and thereby may be discovered the moving cause which 
led to that pious awe, so noticeable in his practice of 
the forms of religion. 

With him, as with all distinguished and delicate- 
minded men, it was a peculiar characteristic feature of 
his individuality — being interwoven with his thoughts, 
opinions, and transactions; and often, I might say 
always observable : yet only those who knew him well, 
could rightly understand and appreciate the hidden 
source whence it flowed. 

However imposing and truly royal was his form and 
bearing — however firm and composed his look and man- 
ner — however categoric his mode of speech, and ener- 
getic his operations, — so was his being imbued with a 
certain indescribable something, an on-breath, — a soft 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 19 

colouring, in which not seldom, an almost bashful coy- 
ness bordering on humbleness appeared: — a modesty 
and unassuming, in which all self-confidence seemed 
to be lost. 

Yet was it not embarrassment, want of adroitness, 
nor fear of man — such formed no portion of his charac- 
ter — he knew not the feeling : even when in contact 
with his most powerful enemies, — those by whom he 
had been defeated, — he never lost consciousness of his 
high destiny or royal dignity ; on the contrary, a noble 
haughtiness and manly defiance beamed out when in the 
presence of opposing powers : — to see him in anger was 
appalling. 

No — this pious awe, the verecundia of the ancients, 
was in him, as it were the pure deep sonance and re- 
sonance of the veritable fear of God, which, pervading 
his whole being, became visibly suffused over his linea- 
ments in a peculiar manner, like to the bashful blush of 
innocence, — most apparent in success ; — a sure testi- 
mony of genuineness and sincerity. 

Having reached the pinnacle of good fortune ; — 'twas 
visible at the triumphal entries into Leipsig and Paris, — 
and later when the Emperors Alexander and Francis, at 
the head of their respective guard-regiments, presented 
themselves before him, and respectfully saluted him by 
lowering their swords; — he appeared as though such 



20 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

mark of honour was not intended for himself, but some 
one else. Every on-breathing of arrogance was far from 
him ; and as to presumption, — he knew it not. 

His Fear-of-God — that lively sense of dependence on 
the Almighty, — caused him to be moderate in every re- 
spect, and preserved him from egotism to such a degree, 
that many, not aware of the holy source whence it 
sprang, have attributed to him a positive want of self- 
confidence. 

From the self-same source proceeded his dislike of 
praise and flattery ; and those who would offer him the 
adulation of merit he sternly repulsed, referring all re- 
sults to God's help. 

He designated conscience as the speaker — God's re- 
presentative in the breast of man ; — he therefore held 
self-dissatisfaction and perturbation, to be the worst of 
misfortunes. 

He watched over himself with a circumspection bor- 
dering on anxiety; so that those who often saw and well 
knew him, could observe the secret moral struggle he 
maintained, amidst the varying situations of a monarch's 
life. 

His piety, was by no means the ripened fruit of a 
happy temperament ; on the contrary, he was obliged to 
go through many internal and external purifications, 
before he became fireproof, and attained with his san- 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 2l 

guine impulses, to that positive piety which he really 



Fear-of-God led him to fear of sin. Although meek 
and indulgent in his judgments with respect to the 
errings and weaknesses of human nature, yet had he 
an utter abhorrence of those sins which he called 
coarse; of such, he named three in particular, viz. — 
the sin of premeditated lying, with all its akin ; unjust 
possession of property, through trickery and chicanery ; 
and breach of connubial vow ; — these he called " deadly 
sins" — placing strongest emphasis on those words. 

His fear of God in the latter respect, partook of 
the fearful anxiety of our forefathers on that subject : 
modern irreligion would call it superstitious. 

His heart turned from those guilty of such sins ; 
for he was of opinion that where the fear of God was 
not, there also, failed submissiveness to the laws, and 
those placed in authority. He knew the sophisms 
of the human heart and mind, and was aware, how 
by literal legality, the laws of God and man may be 
wrested, avoided, and eluded in a thousand different 
ways ; and in every instance where no pure principle 
was evident, he withheld confidence : therefore had the 
word legality but a conditional worth with him. He 
hoped for blessings singly and collectively, alone, from 
the operation of a sincere and practical fear of God. 



22 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

I have often heard him say : — " God is the alone 
creating and glorious point whence all goodness flows, 
— and the source whence all must seek firmness and 
strength, if improvement and eventual good shall take 
place in human affairs ; that fear, is the vivifying prin- 
ciple, and thereto indispensable; inasmuch as it takes 
us in training— instils into man veneration for divine 
things, and a horror of sinning, — which carried out, 
begets disgust of sin, — thence virtue." 

For that reason the expressions religion and piety 
were not so adequate and agreeable to him as the 
stronger and more identifying term, Fear-of-God ; which 
everywhere and at all times insures the blissful feeling 
of God's presence — the latter being a consequence of the 
former : " That," added he with mental acuteness, 
" should the theological gentlemen of the day have more 
seriously thought of when maintaining their lengthy 
disputes about faith and morality, and the preferable 
benefit to be derived from dogmatical or ethical preach- 
ing : — without root there is no growth, no blossoming, 
no fruit ! " 

Therefore had he no taste and confidence in the 
numerous plans and propositions presented to him for 
the improvement and ennobling of human nature, 
wherever that healthy root was wanting : and if such 
projects were ushered in by a promising preface, and 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 23 

pompous diction — to him insupportably offensive — he 
usually dismissed such, merely writing on the margin, 
" Whited Sepulchres." 

On one occasion a splendid plan for the erection of 
an educational establishment on a new system was 
laid before him for approbation ; — in it, a mass of 
objects considered suitable to the wants of the times, 
was clearly and systematically set forth; closing with 
religion and religious instruction, by the way only : on 
the margin thereof the King wrote with his own hand, 
"Ei, ei ! and indirectly a compliment for religion, 
doubtlessly, out of pure respect (!) that won't do : it, 
must be the vivifying soul of the whole project, if any 
good is to come of it. First, lessons in Augustus 
Hermann Franke's school ! ,,# 

On the other hand, he was ready to help and further 
munificently every object, where the character and 
principles of the true fear of God were obvious ; — but 
all requests and petitions were sternly refused, if for- 
getfulness of God, impiety, or traces of the before- 
mentioned three deadly sins were observable in them. 
All, of whatever station they might be, did well to 



* A. H. Franke founded an Orphan Asylum at Halle, now a 
very large and most useful establishment. The King alludes to 
the practical piety in which the children were instructed. Franke 
with propriety might be designated a German Methodist. — Tr. 



24 



THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 



accompany a request or petition, by the recommendatory 
testimony of some worthy clergyman. 

In points where the fear of God enjoins moral 
purity, the King was severe, and swerved not from 
his principles ; — if in single instances he moderated, 
the stern character of his moral earnestness was de- 
cidedly apparent. I have had remarkable opportunities 
of knowing him in that respect ; — one anecdote shall 
suffice. 

A government officer, now dead, who held a high 
post, and was noted for punctual and efficient per- 
formance of his duties, had been thoughtless in his 
youth ; but in his maturer years becoming serious and 
conscience-stricken, he ardently wished that his four 
children — two sons and two daughters which he had 
by a mistress who was dead — should be legitimatized : 
he having recently married an amiable widow beyond 
the middle age, and without children of her own. 

He addressed a petition to his Majesty, and motived 
it by stating, that he sincerely repented of his early 
youthful indiscretions, and wished to make (if possible) 
reparation, by doing an act of justice towards his 
innocent, talented, and well-disposed children; but 
which could only be realized if they were permitted to 
take his name, and possess in every respect the rights 
of children born in wedlock. Furthermore, that the 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 25 

restoration of his lost peace of mind, and happy spend- 
ing of the remaining years of life, depended wholly on 
his Majesty's vouchsafing his humble petition. I had 
known this officer to be a highly worthy man in every 
other respect for many years, — and felt that I could 
not refuse his request, to watch a favourable oppor- 
tunity for presenting his petition to his Majesty, accom- 
panied by my own recommendation. 

No sooner had I done so, than the King looked at me 
with stern severity, and said, " I am astonished that you, 
a Christian clergyman, could for a moment think of re- 
commending to me a matter, originating in impiety and 
impurity." I said, " Sire, it is the cause, not the sin 
that I recommend, — I have recommended only the con. 
scious repentance of an amended man, and his praise- 
worthy desire to see the blot of illegitimacy taken from 
his innocent children, as forerunner for them of a more 
favourable destiny." — "Ei, what!" said the King, almost 
in anger, " those are the severe, but just and castigating 
results of that flagitious and accursed mistress-keeping 
economy ! — It hinders and poisons sooner or later con- 
nubial life, leading from one sin to another ; — those who 
have had recourse to it may bear its consequences ; — 
were I to remove or mitigate, I should be showing a 
culpable indifference, — besides, it might lead to fatal 
exemplifications, of which I do not see the end." 



26 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

Disconcerted and affrighted, I felt the truth of the 
King's expressions; nevertheless I risked another at- 
tempt, saying, " The repentant and reformed man peti- 
tions for innocent children ! " The King turned from me 
with dislike — took not the petition, and left me consider- 
ably abashed, and resolved in future to be more cautious 
about what I recommended. 

A few weeks had elapsed, when one morning I was 
summoned to his Majesty's presence, who thus ad- 
dressed me : — 

" I have caused secret'inquiries to be made relative to 
that man, and am given to understand that he was not 
fickle, but confined himself to one, who was of supe- 
rior stamp to the usual run of those unfortunate beings, 
— and that in all other respects his life has been 
irreproachable. The report touching his children 
too, speaks of their being well disposed, and morally 
regulated. 

"All therefore hinges hereon, — whether his present 
lawful wife has been made acquainted with the existence 
of her husband's four illegitimate children. Is she not, 
and must she not be thereof informed, — such fatal 
mystery will only mar marriage happiness, and thus 
one might be doing evil with one hand, whilst trying 
to help with the other. 

" Is she however acquainted with all the circum- 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 27 

stances, and has a mind superior ; and she, not expect- 
ing to be a mother herself, will live in harmony with, 
kindly treat, and properly bring up her husband's child- 
ren, — then, all being clearly, openly, and honestly under- 
stood, — I will vouchsafe his request, legitimatizing his 
children. In that case they may conjointly — husband 
and wife — send in an appropriate petition ; — but it must 
be accompanied by an attestation from some worthy 
ecclesiastic." 

The same took place through my assistance, and the 
difficult affair was ended to the mutual and perfect 
satisfaction of the couple ; happy to the end of their 
lives: it also proved a blessing to the children, who 
have all turned out well, and are still living. 

The King was a vigilant observer of the signs of the 
times, and kept a watchful eye on passing events and 
combinations ; these were to him as divine intimations ; 
for all that unbelief and ignorance call chance and 
contingency, were according to his sensus numinis. 
Divine dispensation : when they progressed propitiously, 
he rejoiced — when otherwise, his bearing was of a nega- 
tive character. Were weighty matters on the tapis, 
the practical consummation of which was the general 
wish, he nevertheless held back, saying, "the further- 
ance moment is not yet here." Upright and candid, 
yet in such impending matter reserved and inflexible, 



28 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

solely depending on himself, no one could divine his in- 
tentions.* Was, however, the desired moment arrived, 
then was he the Deus ex machina, who could give a 
fortunate turn to complicated affairs. 

Well knowing that good fortune in this world's strange 
concatenations often proceeds from apparently insignifi- 
cant causes — and, on the other hand, that misfortunes 
through altered junctions, often attend the most cau- 
tious and seemingly wise measures, — he placed little 
reliance on political speculations and combinations, and 
diplomatical tergiversation he abominated. 

On one occasion, when council was held relative to a 
weighty matter about to be terminated, I permitted 
myself to remark — " It appears to me to be desirable in 
a political point of view, and would give new and impor- 
tant combinations. 1 '' He replied, " I don't value that ; 
such human calculations generally throw up minus 
instead of plus. So long as politics are nothing more 
than expediency, all political wisdom will concentrate 
in being cheated, only to be cheated again, owing to the 
mutability of men, things, and combinations ; the pro- 
bable does not take place, and the improbable is 
realized. 

" To do that which is right — to fear God and con- 
fidently trust in Him — is the best of all policy ; that 

* Chiefly referring to the years 1812 and 1813. — Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 29 

alone brings a blessing ; at least, we preserve therein 
pureness of conscience : — If God be for us, who can be 
against us V* 

On that rock-foundation of bold and childlike confi- 
dence, he stood composed and firm, with head erect : 
never did his manly comportment forsake him, not even 
in the dark depths of his greatest misfortunes ; neither 
did humble demeanour leave him when on the bright 
heights of exalting good fortune. His ally was God, and 
he believed that all help emanated from Him who made 
and governs the heavens and the earth. 

The eagle which decorated his breast was engloried 
by these divine words — Those who wait for the Lord 
shall receive strength as of an eagle, so that they soar 
and are not faint — they shall run and not be wearied. 

The piety which pervaded his whole being had a posi- 
tive Christian stamp ; everything in and about him con- 
nected with religion, was kept, supported, and fructified 
by a lively faith in the divine revelation of the Holy 
Scriptures. 

Indeed, how could it be otherwise with an unpreju- 
diced, clear-thinking mind, and an impartial, grateful, 
and really pious heart ? Scriptural Christianity is the 
sole element and ferment, which permanently preserves, 
marshals, and supports nations, states, governments, and 



30 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

institutions, and may be compared to the breath of life, 
giving health and strength. 

What philosophy and aesthetics, the arts and sciences, 
and the political economy and power of the Greeks and 
Romans could not effect, namely, the overthrow of 
deeply rooted polytheism, with its superstitions and sin- 
ful terrorisms, — was brought about and perfected by the 
simple, unadorned preaching of the Cross, in its world- 
overcoming, heart-captivating omnipotence. Socrates 
lived and taught in Athens, but the Athenians remained 
idolaters. 

The victory — the ever restless and ever advancing 
victory of Christianity over Paganism, by means of poor 
messengers with no weapon but The Word — marks an 
origin whose creative power, so surpassing human 
ability, must of course centre in a higher, invisible, 
and divine world. That it was Christianity, — through 
its inexhaustible depths, ennobling equality, exalted 
earnestness, encouraging mildness, divine sublimity, and 
pure humanity, — first brought the human race to a 
consciousness of inherent rights, cannot be doubted ; 
and that it labours on and on, to spread that conscious- 
ness throughout all ranks and degrees of the people, by 
its vivifying strength, is equally sure. In the uni- 
versality of its humanity, it acknowledges no spirit of 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 31 

castes, roots out despotism and all arbitrariness, pro- 
duces right and justice, and wills that all, from the 
highest to the lowest, and from the lowest to the high- 
est, shall receive help and succour, and be brought to 
the knowledge and enjoyment of the truth. That all 
may be radically healed and improved, and made happy 
in the barter of love, — it commences with the heart, and 
works to the surface. 

It therefore bans barbarism, promotes culture, pro- 
duces morality and dignity, and is in alliance with 
science ; moreover, it is the fresh life-principle that is 
urging man's strivings towards the highest degree of 
human perfection. 

It was Christianity that firmly fixed monogamy, sanc- 
tified marriage, emancipated woman, placed the rights 
and dignity of wives and mothers on a fast footing, and 
took children under its protection, that connubial and 
domestic happiness might be established; as being the 
only immoveable foundation of social and public welfare. 

From this dogmatical and sublime position his late 
Majesty viewed Christianity. It was to him an historical 
fact, a given thing, which thinking man ought to receive. 
"It is impossible," said he, " to make and arrange a 
religion for one's self. If any one attempts to form a 
Deity pleasing to his own mind, he will find in the end 
that he egotistically worships himself in his own ideal. 



32 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

The Christian only is privileged to worship God in spirit 
and in truth." 

The King honoured the Christian religion because he 
felt fully convinced that it is a Divine revelation imme- 
diately emanating from God, — moreover because it is 
the decisive and ultimate tribunal : — he was pleased to 
call it the only Jus non appellando. 

All that harmonized with its spirit and contents, was 
to him truth — all that opposed its spirit, error ; and 
on those points he admitted of no debates or com- 
promises. " The Lord's Word is truth, and what He 
has promised, that will He certainly bring to pass :" 
this conviction was to him an axiom, and the really 
permanent — and on all occasions valid scale, whereby 
he discriminated, proofed, chose and judged. He 
became so sure in his belief, and possessed so firm 
a tact, that no mooted doubts ever incommoded him. 
He lived according to his faith; the Holy Scriptures 
ever lay on his writing table; and both the Old and 
New Testaments were to him an intimately connected 
and inseparable whole, — the former the announcement, 
the latter the fulfilment. He was particularly delighted 
with the Book of Proverbs, because of its categorical 
precision and pregnant meaning ; and in the Psalms 
he found a treasury of comfort, particularly in those 
before mentioned days of national suffering. During 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 33 

the unfortunate years 1810 and 1811— particularly 
after the death of the ever memorable Queen,* — I have 
often heard him say, " Had not thy Holy Word com- 
forted me in my misery, I should have passed away ;" 
and that was uttered in such tone of anguish, as pene- 
trated my very soul. 

The Holy Bible was to him so dear, important, and 
indispensable, that to those he particularly loved he 
knew of no better present than a superbly bound 
copy, — and when on the festival of the Reformation 
in 1817, he presented a large folio copy for the use of 
the altar in the Court and Garrison Church, Potsdam, 
he pressingly enjoined me to " guard it needfully. 11 

The Historical Christ was the soul of his Christianity, 
and he rejoiced in a growing faith in Him. He 
honoured in Christ, the eternal Son of the living God — 
saw in Him the Deity, and directed his prayers to Him. 

The faith of Christians relative to the Saviour and 
Redeemer, was to him not factly, only in respect of 
His doctrine, but personality ; for in the divinity of 
His Person, he found the exalted and divine certainty 
of His doctrine, and in the divinity of the doctrine, 
proof of the divinity of His Person. The darkness 
and mystery which surround this belief, instead of weak- 
ening, rather strengthened and established him. 

* The good and beautiful Queen died June 19th, 1810. 



84 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

Many a time, before, and after participating in the 
Lord's Supper, has he said to me, " What I worship 
and reverence — before what I clasp my hands and bend 
my knees, I cannot draw down, neither dare to place on 
a level with myself, — it necessarily must be higher and 
more sublime if I am to be exalted : could I compre- 
hend its mysteries, my veneration must cease. That 
which shall make me better, more elevated, and more 
certain, must be unto me a something that is, and 
gives what I cannot give unto myself, or receive from 
any other equally sinful with myself. 

" A revelation, having nothing to reveal beyond the 
scope of man's knowledge and science, would cease to 
be a Divine revelation. Its mysteries are to me, wit- 
nesses of its divinity, and I should cease to believe in 
revelation were the mysteries not there. They have, 
as in the great book of Nature, a clear and a dark page. 
We see, wonderful power, wisdom, and goodness dis- 
played in creation, in numberless splendid forms; — 
they appear and disappear, but we see alone the appear- 
ances, not the original power, or know the laws which 
produce them, for they are surrounded by a mysterious 
and impenetrable veil: — into the soul of Nature no 
created mind can force itself. 

" Every tree, plant, flower, and fruit are, in respect of 
the original power whence their thousand beauties, pro- 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 35 

perties, and manifold forms, yet sublime unity emanated, 
an impenetrable mystery : even the light of the sun 
which gives to the whole world life and growth, and 
whose benevolence we all enjoy, is a power, that no 
naturalist has as yet been able to comprehend, much 
less explain : shall we therefore cease to look up to, and 
with thankfulness pray to Him who has created it I 

" The precious and glorious, ever visible and innate 
crescentive analogy between the wonders and mysteries 
in Nature, and those of Revelation, is to me a shining 
and exalted evidence that it was the same God who 
created the one and gave to us the other. Both great 
and excellent and the gifts of the same Almighty hand. 
There is so much of the elevating, instructive, and de- 
lightful in this truth, that I am verily astonished at 
how so many theologians, mistaking the impassable, soon 
reached, boundary of human reason, make a to-do- 
about, and desire to expunge from the Christian Reli- 
gion its wonders and mysteries. Whom would they 
benefit thereby ? The philosopher ! — he has always been 
at loggerheads with himself. The human race ? — it has 
manifestly found itself, from the cradle to the grave, in 
such a darkness-visible state, that a during faith is 
indispensable ; for without it, they fall into incredulity 
or superstition. 

" Is it the Christian Church, which is firmly esta- 
d2 



36 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

blished on the authority of the Holy Bible, and which 
without that binding and adhesive authority would fall 
to pieces? Yet, as in heaven so on earth, it stands 
written with stellar durability in the Holy Scriptures ; 
and what therein is written, no puny human power can 
obliterate ." So spake our faith-confident King, with 
captivating eloquence ; — after a pause, he thus con- 
tinued : — 

" All that I have seen of glorious in life, and how- 
ever much of excellence I have found in the books of 
divine authors, is as nothing, compared to the exalted 
sensations I experience when reading the Bible with 
devotion. Everything therein is of another quality. A 
peculiar spirit of certainty and decision, of repose and 
peace, seems to breathe and govern there, — and one 
feels eased of the smaller and greater cares of life: 
everything assumes a different aspect, and one acquires 
imperceptibly a good and refreshed state of mind — 
more stern towards self, and milder towards all the 
world. Every word is truth, and every small sentence 
is pregnant with ideas. The Sermon on the Mount — 
what a treasure ! why, it contains more wisdom in a 
few pages, than all the folio volumes of ancient and 
modern theologians : — He, the Redeemer of the World, 
who could so, and did so speak, shall He not also have 
told us truth when He spake of His divine nature, and 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 37 

of things which are beyond our clouded and confined 
horizon \ and shall we dare to say, because we have not 
seen those things, — they are not there I Alas, for the 
poor and daring child of man, who layeth his pigmy 
staff of measurement on the vast and imperishable ; 
and who thinks to obtain the purity of light by taking 
up the beams of the world-illumining sun, through the 
rectangular-prowess of the ground and burnished prism 
of his intelligence ! — yet delighteth in the transient 
and varied colouring of a soapen bubble ! — who to-day 
audaciously challenges, and to-morrow stricken by the 
hand of death, swooningly implores for mercy ! 

" Doubtlessly our march of intellect takes but a 
partial view of human nature ; for although instruc- 
tion of the understanding, towards the attainment of a 
clear insight into things, be of paramount necessity, yet 
is not that all that is requisite to make good and happy. 
That the heart can alone be improved, and the charac- 
ter ennobled, by extensive intelligence, is to me highly 
problematical. 

" Moral nature has its own laws, and is eccentric in 
its developement and advances — often remarkable in the 
middle and lower classes of society — amongst whom we 
meet with intellectual and very worthy men, who have 
had little or no mental culture ; but be that as it may, 
certain it is, that every worldly sharpening of the 



38 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

understanding makes keen and egotistical, contracts 
the heart, robs human nature of its simplicity, fills man 
with cunning and deceit, and too often exterminates 
both truth and faith ; so that, instead of improving by 
infusion of what is called ' Wisdom/ they have, through 
its operation, become deteriorated, and had, therefore, 
better remained in a rude and uneducated state; — 
neither extreme has worthiness, — both destroy. 

" Christianity, however, occupies a middle ground, 
and is the only effectual and sure expedient — I mean 
positive Biblical Christianity — that which received in 
faith, takes hold of, ennobles, and forms the whole 
man ; giving understanding, and heart and thought, and 
will and deed, in an harmonious and proportional ratio, 
— making wise, and good, and happy; but then, all 
depends on combination and a right perception of the 
matter. 

"Is Christianity adopted after a one-sided manner, 
namely, only in as far as it can be made to square 
with the rationality of human intellect, we shall pro- 
duce nothing but cavilling reasoners. Is Christianity 
adopted only on supernatural views, we then originate 
Phantasts, Enthusiasts, Separatists, Mystics, and 
Pietists ; and as the former make all dry and arid, the 
latter scorch and burn up everything; — neither has 
worthiness, — both are destructive. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 39 

" The due amalgamation of light and warmth is the 
desideratum. Light for the understanding, that man 
may see with clearness, — and warmth for the heart, 
that it may become good and pure ; for they produce, 
according to the testimony of experience, the most 
abundant measure of acquiescing faith in the Historical 
Christus : taught in His school, the understanding is 
awakened, sharpened, practised, and satisfied, — and 
inclination for godliness is vouchsafed, without which 
the truth cannot be rightly known and loved. In the 
divine and wonderful sublimity of His Person he cap- 
tivates the heart, and is to it Mediator, Redeemer, 
and Reconciler. That gratitude and love, so generated, 
become the creative powers which bring about resem- 
blance : He, at the same time, giving to all those who 
dedicate their lives to Him, and desire to do His com- 
mands in purity and singleness of heart, courage, 
strength and comfort ; preparing them for Eternity, and 
leading them, with tender hand and powerful arm, to 
their ultimate destination : such is agreeable to ' the 
Word!' and experience has confirmed it. 

" But," continued the King, on another occasion, 
" the people of our day desire extremes, and move in an 
opposite direction. They separate and tear that which 
in its connection is fitting and complete, and which alone 
in its combined state can produce desirable results ; as 



40 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

that takes place in most exalted and blessed things, so 
has the internal rending trenched on the affairs of human 
life, and all has therefore become jogged and shaky. 

a Not behindhand is party spirit and factious oppo- 
sition, — and Will-be-right is on all sides chief word- 
swaggerer, therefore does indulgence and reasonable- 
ness disappear, and from all sides one hears nothing 
but rancorous disputation. 

"By turning from authorities, and each one endea- 
vouring to establish a school of his own, it stands to 
reason that there can no longer exist a firm union- 
point. 

"The object truth has in view vanishes, and all is 
split and separated into a thousand diverging conceits 
and opinions : — that which was of sterling value is no 
longer esteemed, and novelties are set up only to be 
mobbed by fresh novelties : because of the number of 
thinking heads, the end of these struggles is not to be 
clearly seen, and this number is greater now than ever : 
but a mighty One — a Hero, who is capable of gathering 
them under his wing, is wanting. He will, however, 
appear. 

" Had one not preserved the good testimony of former 
days, one might go astray, and make shipwreck of one's 
faith. We, who have had for predecessors such men as 
Luther, Melanchthon, Gustavus Adolphus, the Great 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 41 

Elector, Newton, Grotius, Spener, Leibnitz, and Haller, 
need not, as their successors, fear the reproach of ' stu- 
pidity,' for holding firmly to our creed. 

" I have often earnestly meditated on — force being 
out of question — whether some appropriate and efficient 
remedy might not be discovered, by which the evil could 
be let off, and a better state of things produced : to ac- 
complish that end I have had the pre-eminent, and best 
theologians (of course in respect of choosing, I have de- 
pended much on the recommendation of others) sum- 
moned to me, — placed them in office, and given them 
good incomes ; but I have not found matters improved 
thereby, — on the contrary, controversies have increased, 
and verily become more audacious. 

" For my own part I am convinced, that, notwith- 
standing the efforts of malicious insolence to degrade 
the character of Christ, and ban His Holy History to 
the province of myths and fable, His Word will lose no 
particle of the eternal life found in it, but remain the 
power of God to make blessed those who put their faith 
in Him. 

" For eighteen centuries have the people of the earth 
found in it that which their consciences sought and re- 
quired : and His kingdom, founded on the rock of faith, 
hope, and love, needs fear no power pertaining to books 
of sceptical theology, whose authors will have passed 



42 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

away and been long forgotten, when millions of accorded 
hearts and tongues shall be acknowledging 'Jesus, the 
same yesterday, to-day, and for ever.' " 

That biblical text, together with others of like estab- 
lishing authority, he treasured in his memory, and was 
pleased to quote them whenever the changing ideas 
and novel views of the day were the subject of conver- 
sation. 

On expressing my joy — the King said, " Shortly 
before our passage of the Rhine during the winter of 
1813, my head quarters being in Frankfort, I heard 
Parson Spiess deliver an excellent New Year's Day 
Sermon from that text, and felt greatly edified and sup- 
ported. I would willingly have engaged the faithful man 
for our Cathedral Church in Berlin, but he declined 
leaving his pleasant Frankfort." 

However exalted and decided was the King's venera- 
tion for the Holy Scriptures, yet was he far from all 
species of idolatry towards it, as possessing holiness in 
its dead letters ; the vivifying spirit which pervades it, 
was the all-in-all to him. 

Conversant with, and nurtured by it, he disliked all 
hair-splitting and microscopic explanations, and therein 
his views and judgments were free, exalted, and tole- 
rant : not without a savour of irony he recounted " how, 
when he was in Holland, he heard a Dutch Domine 



OP FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 43 

preach — who expounded every word of his text even to 
the conjunctions and articles, and then elaborately dis- 
cussed what quality of stones those were on which 
Christ stood when before Pontius Pilate, in the great 
hall of the palace — pronouncing them to be mosaic ! " 

The worthy Parson Engel sent me his well-known 
" Selections from the Bible," enclosing at the same 
time a copy for his Majesty, which he requested me to 
present; — doing so the King asked me "what I thought 
of such extracts in general V According to my con- 
viction, I replied, "Not much; they appear to me of 
doubtful benefit ; and as they must of necessity partake, 
more or less, of the epitomizer's views, a natural con- 
sequence would be, that that which might be highly 
valued by one person will be lightly esteemed by ano- 
ther; — that one reluctantly moves the smallest stone 
from a time-honoured temple — looking on the combined 
whole as a sacred thing, to be preserved as it is. 

" In the case of extracts, the most beautiful and 
glorious texts are often found amidst others of appa- 
rently less consequence, like bright stars, giving the ap- 
propriate and necessary light to all adjoining; yet, taken 
from the context, themselves become too often dark. 
Hufeland, in his " Macrobiotics," treating of physical 
aliment, throws out the quintessences as nothing worth. 



44 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

Shall the soul, then, be efficiently nurtured by such ex- 
tracted quintessences V 

A few weeks afterwards, the King said, " Upon the 
whole you may be right ; but the Bible extracts of 
Parson Engel, who appears to be a pious, evangelical 
man, please me nevertheless. 

" I like, when the cause don't suffer thereby, the com- 
pendious." He ordered several copies to be forwarded 
to him for distribution, and presented the compiler a 
costly snuff-box, accompanied by a friendly letter — 
who, on his part, gave the value, in coin, to the poor 
of his parish. So lived in the soul of his Majesty, by 
all his firm and positive decisions, void of heart-con- 
tractedness, a serene breadth of view ; and he valued 
with liberality, that which is good, wherever found ; 
— for inasmuch as his sight was firm, so was it tran- 
quil and embracing. 

He once said to me, " Whence come the startling 
differences which I often discover in the interpretations 
of the theologians, not only in subordinate but even in 
fundamental points V I replied, " If you will rightly 
understand the Holy Writings, they must be read in the 
same spirit in which they are written : The best ex- 
pounder of the Bible is the Bible. The Old and New 
Testaments must be read as a testamentary document — 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 45 

that is to say, as the testament of a father ; not as a 
lawyer would be wont to do, viz. to discover a flaw, — but 
as a son who thankfully inherits." — " Ei, Ei ! " said the 
King, " that's a charming idea ! " Then archly smiling, 
he said, "Did you draw that from your own well?" 
" No," was my answer ; " I have to thank my memorable 
and worthy teacher professor, Dr. Knapp, of Halle, for 
it !" With indescribable kindness he fixed his eyes on 
me, put his hand on my shoulder, and said in an affec- 
tionate tone, " Do you see, to-day brings forth the fruit 
of what was planted in youth ; — a charming idea ! I will 
bear it in mind." 

That the King, possessing such an unbounded vene- 
ration for the Holy Writings, should be with heart and 
soul an Evangelical Protestant Christian, requires no 
assurance. 

Dr. Martin Luther's translation of the Bible was, to 
him, on account of its clearness, pith, and unction, a 
great and perfected masterpiece : also in respect of the 
German language, which reigns there in all its native 
fulness. 

In that translation, which is at the same time satisfac- 
tory to the scholar, and intelligible to the people; more- 
over, true-hearted and simple, exalted and forcible, — he 
saw the presence of the finger of God. " Luthers tri- 



46 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

umph is visible in his translation ; to have accomplished 
which, he must have been under the guidance and in- 
fluence of the Holy Ghost. There is no greater human 
achievement beneath the sun. Luther is to be seen in 
every line ! — there he is as he lived and moved ! — the 
very representative, and true type of German national 
character. He has thrown into his translation the over- 
flowing German heart, — and through its straightforward- 
ness of expression, may be discovered the righteousness 
of the matter, 

" One is pleased to speak of the advancement made in 
our times, — I am not unmindful of it ; but I must say 
that all subsequent translations of the Bible, down to the 
very last and newest, are, as compared with Luther's, 
wishy-washy and flat : the pithy and sententious form he 
has given to its contents, cannot be surpassed, — so that 
his translation is, and ever must remain, the palladium 
of the Germanic Evangelical Church." 

Next to the introduction of Christianity, the King 
held the Reformation to be the greatest and most im- 
portant worldly circumstance : he kept his eyes fixed 
thereon with true veneration. 

With the liveliest interest, he not only read, but pon- 
dered over its sources ; and that portion of its history 
connected with his house and country, he knew in an 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 47 

especial manner, remembering every name and date : 
indeed, his memory was so capacious and trustworthy, 
that he never erred in those particulars. 

With purest ambition he preserved, one may say, the 
Protestant sacredness of his crown : and what he ac- 
quired in that respect from one of his favourite prede- 
cessors, — the Great Elector! — whose faith, operations, 
deeds, and blessed end, he knew even to the smallest de- 
tail, — he carried in his bosom as a sacred inheritance. 

In no case was difference of opinion so displeasing to 
him, as on that point ; and he made an end of every ad- 
verse observation relative to the Elector, in a manner 
very unusual with him, " Ei, what, I know better !" 

On no subject did he feel himself so exalted, and 
electric, as at thought of filling, in virtue of Ins political 
power and position, the elevated office of protector of the 
Evangelical Church, in Evangelical Germany : so sus- 
ceptible was he on that score, that he felt discomposed, 
when, on occasion of the approaching Third Secular 
Festival of the Reformation, in 1817, it was publicly re- 
ported that other Evangelical countries were about to 
excel him in respect of the Church ordinances to be ob- 
served on that occasion : to be beforehand with them, he 
commissioned me in the morning to elaborate a pro- 
gramme on the subject, requiring it to be finished by 
the evening of the same day ; and was not a little vexed, 



48 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

because I did not, and in fact could not, get it ready 
before the third day. 

When one reflects on the important daily business 
that rested on his shoulders, the multitude of new works 
from all parts of Germany that were sent to him, and 
the incessant interruption, unavoidably connected with 
his exalted position, — it appears almost impossible — yet 
is it true to the letter — that he could have carefully 
studied and digested the writings of the great Refor- 
mers, — especially Luther and Melanchthon. 

The Excerpta, which he drew out in reference to 
Church Constitution, and for easier inspection brought 
into synchronical Tables himself, filled whole quires of 
folio. Having been summoned to his presence one day, 
I found the King busily employed thereon, and being 
already in the same room, was advised by the assistant 
to wait a little. His Majesty's table was covered with 
Luther's works. He carefully turned over some, leaf 
after leaf, in search of what it appeared he could not 
find. Ignorant of my being present, he read sometimes 
aloud, sometimes otherwise, then asked himself, " Shall 
I not find it presently ? " When after about an hour he 
found what he sought, he cried out in a paroxysm of joy, 
" Ha ! I've got it at last ! — Excellent ! excellent !" 

Well acquainted with all that Luther purposed, did, 
and arranged, even to the details, — he was angry when 



OF FREDEEICK WILLIAM III. 49 

forced to read in theological writings, opinions relative 
to that great Reformer, the very reverse of what he 
knew, and had found in Luther ; when that occurred he 
would shout out " Ignoramuses ! they would in- 
struct me in Luther." 

Versed as he was in the establishment, and eccle- 
siastical institutions of the first century of the Church 
according to the records of Scripture — especially the 
Acts of the Apostles, — and taught through Professor 
Dr. Neander's writings on Church History : he had 
acquired a clear insight into the spirit and tendency 
of the Reformation ; and he looked to it as the great 
work for restoring what Christ and his Apostles had 
preached and ordained : — A ctively to labour for the 
promotion thereof, he acknowledged and felt to be his 
calling and duty. 

Familiar with the cheerful blessings which flowed 
from private devotion, the King was nevertheless a warm 
reverer of public worship on Sundays. He and his 
family regularly attended the same, and he knew how 
to remove all circumstances that could prove a hin- 
drance. " Sunday," said he, " governs the week; and 
were I not to go to church I should fail of my solemn 
Sabbath feeling, consequently lose the essence of the 
day." He, the much occupied and continually sought*, 
could find the necessary time, — and was ever punc- 

E 



50 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

tual to the minute. The lukewarmness displayed by the 
civil officers he emphatically blamed, — and apology of 
" want of time," he designated " a miserable excuse, be- 
hind which lurked the true cause, indifference : that the 
time spent at church was far from lost — on the contrary 
it edified, refreshed, strengthened, and rendered one 
more efficiently capable for future labours." He was 
well pleased to see his attendants follow his example-— 
and none of his family dared be missing. He forbade 
all such species of trading as could profane the Sunday, — 
and made, in consequence of increased pleasure-hunting 
on Sundays and high festivals, the church police regu- 
lations more stringent ; but there the matter rested, 
for he never allowed himself directly or indirectly to use 
compulsion, — well knowing that force made hypocrites ; 
and hypocrisy was to him one of the worst of impieties. 

Therefore he put no value on imitation of his own 
church-going example, when it appeared to be a pur- 
posed imitation ; on the contrary he expressed himself 
with severity on that score, — " They are much mistaken, 
if they think to attract my favour by their church-going; 
— when such does not flow from spiritual interest therein, 
and love of the matter, no benefit will proceed there- 
from, — 'twere better dropped, if the heart is not in it" 

The constancy and steadfastness with which the re- 
spectable middle class of the people cling to the parish 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 51 

church, and remain invariably faithful to their pastor 
and cure of souls, pleased him much. To a clergyman 
who had such good fortune, he said, " I rejoice to see 
that you have so many come-again hearers and com- 
municants ! " 

On the other hand, he disliked the changing and 
choosing whimminess of the higher ranks, — and he 
sharply reproved those who ran from church to church 
as the breeze of public approbation set in favour of 
this or that preacher : " 'tis nothing," added he, " but 
the titillations of curiosity — as with theatrical repre- 
sentation : shocking ! shocking !" 

On occasion of my asking him if he had yet heard 
the newly ordained clergyman in Berlin preach, who had 
caused such general sensation ? he answered, " Not 
yet ; I shall let the first wild water run off, then will 
the surface be more calm ; I am well acquainted with 
that sort of thing ! " 

He was himself a constant attendant at church, even 
when the weather proved most unfavourable. One 
stormy December forenoon he found the church nearly 
empty, but in the evening the theatres* full to 
overflowing, although 'twas a drifting snow-fall. He 
felt much grieved thereat, and expressed himself so, 
repeatedly. From that time he held as invalid, all 
* See Preface. 
e2 



52 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

excuses for neglect of public worship founded on the 
weather. 

Until the commencement of his reign, it was usual 
for the Prussian Court, as well as other courts con- 
nected with it by relationship, to have private worship 
performed in their respective palaces. For that pur- 
pose, and for divine service in the Berlin Cathedral, 
six ecclesiastics had permanent appointments. 

Frederick William III. disapproved of, and altered 
that arrangement, declaring it to be an abuse ; — " For 
the Church of Christ," said he, " is the property and 
sanctuary of every member of Christianity of what- 
soever degree, — and public worship amidst assembled 
parishioners of all ranks and classes, is infinitely more 
edifying, exalting, and awakening, than separate wor- 
ship. Public and collective worship brings more for- 
cibly home to the heart, how near akin man is to man 
— and that there is something loftier and higher, in 
which we all, without reference to rank and station, are 
connected with equal right by one holy communion. 

"Proud separation is everywhere, but more so in such 
places, excessively unbecoming and unfitting : those who 
for a short time are the great of this earth will know 
no other heaven than the poor man's heaven, — in their 
own hearts will each one find it." 

But in what manner did he appear when attending 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 53 

publicly, divine service ? — not with pomp and bustle, not 
adorned by star or order, not attended by a brilliant 
suite — but on foot, surrounded by his children, medi- 
tative, and simply clad, as a true Christian, whose hu- 
mility was even outwardly visible. 

He admired the proverb, Watch thy foot when thou 
goest to the house of God, remembering that thou 
comest there to worship. When he had reached his 
accustomed pew, and inwardly prayed, there was a 
mild expression of deep veneration before God, visible, 
not only in his open, noble countenance, but also in 
his position and demeanour. 

He stood, sat, and listened — not as a king, but 
as a man — a Christian who felt the necessity of God's 
grace. He was punctual as the clock, and ever in 
church before the service commenced : on one occasion, 
however, he was behindhand, and I waited for his 
arrival from five to ten minutes ; on his entering I gave 
the organist notice by ringing the vestry bell ; — the 
service over, he sent Colonel von Witzleben, to inform 
me, " The King was hindered on his way to church 
by arrival of a courier with despatches, — that his 
Majesty thanked me for my attention in waiting 
until his arrival, but that should such case re-happen, 
never to do so again: — for he held that the many 
should not and ought not to wait for the one, and 



54 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

that in the church, he only wished to be considered 
as a simple member of the parish community." 

It was easy and agreeable enough to preach before 
such a master. The sermon to please him could not 
be too clear, too simple, too impressive, scriptural, 
pointed, and frank. With a pious composedness of 
mind he was on all occasions a most attentive listener, 
and as his judgment with respect to the delivered 
addresses was correct and fundamental, so was it ever 
of the mildest. What he sought for, was religious 
edification and strengthening, and that he found in the 
explanation and practical application of the biblical 
text : synthetical oratory disgusted him. It was not awe 
of royalty and regal parades — for far distant was the 
King, his family, and retinue from any species of bustle, 
pomp, or theatrical show, in their participation in the 
public worship of God : on the contrary it was his high 
earnestness, his quiet attention to the holy subject, 
and his example, — which caused the peaceful devotion 
and elevation so visible in the ever numerous assemblage 
of the parishioners, during the whole service. The 
thought and consciousness that they were met in a 
holy place for general edification, with their revered 
and dearly loved country's King and father, acted on 
every heart; and every one, the distinguished as the 
lowest, felt himself piously raised and vivified. 



OP FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 5 5 

This was more particularly observable at the celebra- 
tion of the Lord's Supper on Good Friday, afterwards 
changed to Maundy Thursday, when the King, his 
house, and the parishioners, communicated in common.* 

He termed the Eucharist " a concentrated Christen- 
dom in its most inly appropriation, " and to him it 
was so. 

Is any one intent on a matter, his appearance indi- 
cates his earnestness ; and the deep interest the King 
took in the celebration of the Holy Sacrament showed 
itself in lineaments of peace, mildness, and desire : — over 
his form and face was suffused the glory of devotion. 

In the forty-eighth year of my official duties — on occa- 
sion of my administering the holy elements — I was most 
instructively and agreeably led to contemplate the fea- 
tures of the pious communicants of all ranks and sexes, — 
the deep feeling and sacred awe of the hallowed service 
was to be read in every countenance. Klopstock desig- 

* On that day it is nothing uncommon for 1200 persons to 
communicate : two clergymen officiate, and the communicants ad- 
vance to the altar by eights. The bread used, is white unleavened 
wheaten, which obviates the necessity of the wafer, and the here- 
tofore Calvinist and Lutheran partake of the elements according to 
the usage of their churches, — the former taking the bread and cup 
from the clergyman in his own hand — the latter receiving both the 
bread and wine in his lips from the clergyman's hand. Without 
mentioning their faith, the clergyman is made aware ot their desires 
by their motions. — Tr. I 



56 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

nated the tear of thankfulness and repentance, of love 
and desire, dedicated to the Redeemer ; standing in the 
eye of the Christian in the hallowed moment of being 
united to Him in the ceremony of the Lord's Supper, 
—to be "the most beautiful and sublime expression of 
human nature/' I shall never forget, however impossible 
to describe, the comfort-bringing sign of pure piety deve- 
loped by the King, when standing before his Saviour at 
the communion-table, receiving the hallowed cup, and 
consecrated bread. 

His full blue eye swimming in heart's emotion, glanced 
upwards, adoring the Almighty with humility and confi- 
dence of heart ; visibly evidencing that what he wished 
he strove for — what he sought he found. Then did a 
holy stillness reign throughout the crowded church, and 
every heart's beat was for him, and every look was affec- 
tionately directed towards him, supplicating from on 
high blessings on his honoured head. 

When amidst the parishioners he knelt before the 
King of kings, and Lord of lords, not the most abject 
of his subjects could display more upright and humble 
adoration ; and he to whom it had become a necessity 
and second nature, in all and every thing to be true and 
honest, received from the power of Christianity " the 
powers of the world to come." # 
* Hebrews. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III, 57 

As a characteristic feature in respect of this holy 
matter I cannot refrain from offering another anecdote. 
When I presented to his Majesty the formula # relative 
to the ceremony of the Lord's Supper, he at the end of 
the same, and immediately before the communion, wrote 
the following inviting and precious words, " Come unto 
me all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will 
refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, 
for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest 
unto your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burthen is 
light." 

To take part in the public service and its holinesses, 
which had become an indispensable necessity with the 
King, was painfully disturbed and for a long time sus- 
pended, owing to the fracture of his leg bone, on the 
14th of December, 1826.f Naturally susceptible of 
changes in the weather, this susceptibility increased 
since his misfortune, and he became very subject to 
colds and rheumatism : although recovered, he felt 
much weakness in the injured leg ; so much so that 
the doctors recommended him to forego his attendance 
at church, at least during the winter months : but with- 

* It has ever since formed part of the Liturgy, still holding the 
place assigned to it by the King, as above. — Tr. 

f It was in the palace that the King broke his leg— descend- 
ing a carpeted staircase, his spur got hampered therein, and he 
fell.— Tr. 



58 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

out his church and its consolations, he could not exist. 
Being constrained to give up public worship, he desired 
to enjoy its domestic performance surrounded by his 
family and household, and therefore ordered a chapel 
to be fitted up in a room of the palace adjacent to his 
chamber. 

The hall selected for that family worship was a 
middling sized oblong ; which being arranged, a spirit 
of peace and devotion came over every one who trod its 
terra sancta. The high gothic windows admitted the 
light, softened and sombred through the stained glass 
representations of holy subjects. The floor was carpeted, 
and had about forty chairs equally divided, on each side 
the approach to the desk, that the sexes might sit apart. 
At the further end was the altar, on which were the Holy 
Bible, the Prayer Book, and a crucifix between two high 
candlesticks ; over the altar hung the " Ecce homo " of 
Raphael, and before the altar stood the desk covered 
with velvet. The hall of worship required no organ, for 
in the adjoining room, which opened with folding doors, 
were stationed the choir, consisting of six men and six 
boys, who sang the Liturgical Hymns under the direction 
of an approved musician, the small congregation joining 
in. When the King became sufficiently convalescent to 
leave his room, and the preparations were completed ; I 
was commanded to open the chapel in presence of him- 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 59 

self and family, by performing the first divine service 
therein. 

It was an affecting, memorable, sacred solemnization ; 
an important epoch in the King's life, and characteristic 
of his feelings and intentions. I took for my text the 
words of Joshua, " I and my house, we will serve the 
Lord," and it gave me an apt opportunity to express 
indirectly all we felt towards his Majesty; — there sat 
the royal father, surrounded by his family and attend- 
ants in earnest meditation — humbly bringing the sacri- 
fice of thanks to a protecting and gracious God who 
had rescued him out of great bodily danger, and 
solemnly dedicating himself and house anew, to the 
Lord of hosts. 

The King's palace became a peaceful temple of God, 
the nation's father a venerated patriarch, he and his 
family patterns for all the people, — and the soft notes 
of pious psalmody there raised, sounded as from seolian 
harps throughout our father-land. 

The King's heart was much comforted by the cere- 
mony. " Now am I," said he, " more at home in my 
house, since I have a chapel therein : — let me have a 
copy of this initiation sermon — I will put it amongst 
my family memoranda. " 

He made me a present on that occasion of a splendidly 



60 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

bound copy of the Bible, # and spoke delightfully on its 
precious contents, saying, " It has for every occurrence 
in life an aptly analogous fact, and an applicable passage. 
It is the holy Book of Life, for life : truly all depends on 
taking a right view of the matter." He continued, " It 
will give me great pleasure to hear that you make use 
of this Bible for church and home," — at the same time, 
accompanying the gift with a look and motion of his 
hands, which seemed to say, I give to one I love that 
which I most dearly prize. 

Divine service was performed in the Chapel Royal 
every Sunday and festival day during the winter months. 
The royal children worshipped there also, but never all 
together, because it was the King's command that they, 
being young and healthy, should frequent the public 
church. Relatives and other princely visitors ; his 
consort, the Princess of Liegnitz,f and her small court ; 
his old and tried friend the first chamberlain, Prince von 
Wittgenstein ; the chief steward, von Schilden, who 
had been his constant and even-tempered attendant, 

* The King was a great admirer of the English Prayer Book, a 
copy of which always lay on his writing table. — Tr. 

f The Countess Augusta Harrock, a noble lady of Bohemia, to 
whom the King was married in the Chapel in Charlottenburg, 
having created her Princess of Liegnitz, a small dukedom in 
Silesia : there are no children resulting from that marriage. — Tr. 



OP FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 61 

during good and evil fortune; the gentlemen of the 
Cabinet; the adjutant, physician, &c. &c. ; formed the 
little community, from which none of his household were 
excluded : — strangers were, however, not admitted. 

When the King recovered and felt stronger, his 
desire and love for public worship in common with his 
Christian people, returned. 

Participation in the Lord's Supper was to him, what 
it is, and should be, — a holy communion, a Christian 
association, a public solemn avowal, a symbolical opera- 
tion, by which the communicant most intimately feels 
himself connected with the Christian Church, and its 
Head and Founder. Also it was to him a heartfelt want, 
to indicate to all his subjects how deeply and firmly he 
held himself connected with them through the holy bands 
of Christianity — and how he more especially looked for 
blessings from that sublime and spiritual communion.* 

Would that I were able to communicate all he said 
on that subject, in the even, simple, and concise manner 
it flowed from his lips ! 

True to his convictions and feelings, he made known, 
in the Spring of 1828, that he purposed participating in 
the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper with the United 
congregation, in the Court and Garrison Church, on 

* Suiting it to the prejudices of the Lutherans, was the greatest 
difficulty his reformation experienced. 



62 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

Maundy Thursday. The weather was still raw, cold, 
and stormy — so much so, that the doctors advised him 
to postpone his visit to the church, more particularly as 
he had had a renewed attack of rheumatism ; moreover, 
Dr. Hufeland* begged of me to combine my remon- 
strances with his to that effect. It was urged that the 
church air was damp, and would prove detrimental to 
him, in the yet delicate state of his health — but to no 
purpose ; for a few days before Maundy Thursday the 
King required that I should accompany him to the 
church ; — having entered, he said, "I do not find it 
damp," he therefore maintained his determination of 
communing publicly, to the great joy of the town 
and parishioners — to the fearful anxiety of his family 
and those about him. 

The service on Maundy Thursday began at 9 o'clock, 
and continued until 12 ; the King in earnest devotional 
feelings, remained standing the whole time, even to the 
end. All being over, he said, "Even as the partici- 
pation in the Holy Sacrament has profited me, so also 
has the sight of the numerous communicants truly 
edified and comforted me, — undoubtedly I do not feel 
myself bodily well — but a small sacrifice on my part was 
justly due to my people. ,, 

* The court physician — a very celebrated and much honoured 
man. — Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 63 

The doctors were right, — what they had feared and 
prognosticated ensued, — the King became worse, and 
kept his room for several weeks. Truly, after that time, 
he regularly attended church in Summer and Autumn 
when the weather was mild — but in consequence of 
increasing susceptibility of cold, he did not take the 
Sacrament again within the walls of the church, but to 
the end of his life in the Palace Chapel. 

From 1829 the King vouchsafed me increase of per- 
sonal confidence, and placed me in the intimate position 
of a so-called father confessor # — in the purest evange- 
lical sense of the word. 

So soon as the human heart becomes duly impressed 
with the importance of religion, it naturally feels the 
necessity of some one with whom it can commune in an 
open and confidential manner on its most holy concerns. 
Every one, who is not a mere respecter of forms and 
observer of ceremonies, but who desires, loves, and seeks 
the holy matter ; cannot keep the bosom locked during 
such spiritual yearnings and strivings, — he must open to 
some one. Reservedness stifles, free communication nur- 
tures, the holy flame. Every Christian has, and the best 
the most, in the changing circumstances which sway 
outward and internal life, alternations of mind, when 
perception is now clearer, now darker, — his faith now 
* See Preface. 



64 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

stronger, now weaker, — his courage now buoyant, now 
feeble. Subject to a thousand impressions, and assailed 
by temptations, which changing form meet us in every 
situation and at every age ; — there arise, as out of myste- 
rious abysses, doubts and enigmas that darken Heaven 
and dismay the soul. Think we one enemy is overcome, 
we unexpectedly find ourselves beset by others re- 
quiring renewed conflict. Often do we lose in a short 
moment the good which we have slowly, and with 
trouble acquired. 

The real Christian is never wholly satisfied with him- 
self — and the further he is advanced in godliness, the 
deeper is his sorrow on account thereof. 

No one is free from self-reproach and remorse, and 
every heart accessible to life's changing snares, has the 
gnawing worm within. We all crouch beneath some 
burden — and w r here so borne as not to be obvious to 
others, 'tis often heaviest. Every one requires 
strengthening and stirring up — encouraging and esta- 
blishing. 

So does it ebb and flow in the human heart, whether 
under stars and ribands, or the ploughman's frock : — 
man, as man, is everywhere the same. 

Truly, insight into the workings of our innermost, can 
only be accorded to a confidential and familiar friend ; 
therefore when w r e would openly and candidly lay bare 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 65 

our whole heart's weaknesses, and secret sorrows, its 
struggles and repentances, — the holy seal of inviolable 
silence is indispensable. The godly, can confide, only 
in the godly ; — religious reciprocity, alone sanctions un- 
conditional confidence. 

From such general and humane point of view, the 
doctrine of the Holy Scriptures proceeds relative to 
the moral necessity of confession of sins, — and the 
Church's desire, that confession be an ordinance at the 
celebration of the Lord's Supper. 

Verily, the early and later Fathers of the Christian 
Church knew its force, and the construction of the 
human heart, when they enjoined confession as the 
power of the spiritual cure of souls. Certes, it is not a 
sacrament, as are Baptism and the Lord's Supper, 
nevertheless it may be received as a holy ordinance 
of the Church. 

The reader will not be angry at my having dilated on 
the subject of confession, when I inform him that the 
foregoing, in its extent and meaning, contains almost to 
the letter the deceased King's ideas and wishes. 

In the year 1831, he had me called to his cabinet, 
and then handed me a document of two folio sheets, 
wholly concocted and written by himself, — bearing the 
antique title, "On the Power of the Keys, or, the 
Binding and Loosening Powers of the Church." 



66 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

Having read it through attentively, the King, after 
referring to Luther, and making several quotations from 
his writings, — expressed a wish to see energetic special 
confession again introduced, instead of (what he termed) 
"dull, general confession ;" — when he had ended his re- 
marks, he desired to know my opinion. 

Taken by surprise as to the whole subject matter, 
I replied to the best of my ability — " The idea in itself 
was excellent, and carried with it the principles of a 
greater Church-vitality than existed at present ; — but 
inasmuch as it grasped deeply into the present order of 
things, many obstacles would be raised to hinder its car- 
rying out ; — and that it presumed a state of the Church 
decidedly different from what it is at present. 

" That in the provinces where the Presbyterian 
Synodical Constitution exists, such as Cleves, Julich, 
Berg, and Mark, — the Church-vitality proceeding in a 
great degree from the parishioners themselves, the 
introduction would be easily effected; — but, wherever 
the Royal Consistorial Constitution reigned, it would be 
attended by difficulties : that the whole affair attacked 
the tenderest points of the people's religious feelings ; 
that nothing could be effected by compulsion ; and 
moreover, I feared the higher grades of society would 
prove the least acquiescent. 

"In such case an opposite result might occur, 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 67 

whereby lukewarmness in respect of the Lord's Supper 
would be increased. 

" That the present state of things is not what it 
ought to be, and left much to be wished for ; yet it had 
this preference — that all who communed, did so from free 
determination and heart-interest. That in the present 
state of things, neither external honour nor dishonour is 
connected with the participating in the Sacrament as 
now ordained, or the staying away ; — that, notwith- 
standing each person followed his own views, the com- 
municants were very numerous in town and country 
parishes, on Sundays and great festival days. 

" My chief doubts, however, arose from the con- 
dition of the clergy itself — especially the younger por- 
tion ; inasmuch as special confession, to be what it 
should be, and effect its object, — would require much 
personal staidness, a full measure of experience, know- 
ledge of mankind, and adroit wisdom, such as few 
possess ; — failing in those respects, the matter would 
become offensive." 

Although the King heard me quietly and allowed me 
to finish — he nevertheless admitted not my representa- 
tion to be of value. 

" Luther," said he, " was better informed ; will you 
contradict him f 1 I replied, " That cannot and will not 
enter the head of any of our Church, — the best of whom 
f2 



68 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

is not worthy to untie the shoe-latchets of that great 
man : but of this I am sure, — were Luther now, in the 
nineteenth century, standing before your Majesty, as he 
courageously and confidently stood before the Emperor in 
the sixteenth, he would on this subject, as on many 
others, alter his opinion." 

With displeasure the King rejoined, "Those are ima- 
ginary ideas — you know I dislike empty talk ! " Then in 
a sonorous tone, he said, " You would have me drop the 
whole matter — that which I have so greatly at heart?" 

"Not so," I replied, after taking breath; "would to 
God that that which your Majesty contemplates and 
would willingly give the Church, could be brought 
about ; Christendom would then be better off; but as 
things are, the public is not attuned and ripe for such 
a measure. 

" The good intentioned matter requires, in the first 
place, adroit introduction and wide promulgation. I 
would propose its being submitted to the Minister of 
Church Affairs and General Instruction, von Altenstein, 
and his suffrage required." 

" Good," replied the King; "speak with him, and give 
him my project." He then dismissed me ; but scarcely 
had I left the room when the door was re-opened, and 
as if the King had in the elapsed moment felt the pos- 
sibility of having caused me pain, he said, " You may as 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 69 

well take your dinner with me to-day V — a short and 
characteristic trait, again demonstrating how earnest- 
ness and mildness, firmness and tenderness, harmonized 
in his heart. If on the one hand he feared no man — so, 
on the other, he would be the cause of sadness to none ; 
and did he surmise it possible, owing to some rash 
remark, his heart dictated immediate reparation. 

Next day I conversed with the minister von Alten- 
stein on the King's project, who, although he expressed 
himself edified and rejoiced, as respected the importance, 
and the noble object to be attained ; nevertheless it was 
visible on his countenance, that he keenly felt the mani- 
fold difficulties and hinderances that would oppose its 
accomplishment. 

Von Altenstein was quick-thoughted and long-sighted 
in respect of discovering, estimating, and comparing 
the adverse strength which every improvement has to 
struggle with. 

Having passed through manifold official duties, he was 
much experienced, — knew the world and mankind well, 
and proofed every arising change with great carefulness ; 
in fact, he often weighed and pondered so long before he 
decided, that his caution verged on timidity. 

Animated by a lively interest for knowledge and the 
arts, he had acquired almost universal information, and 
in most departments of state affairs he was well versed. 



70 



THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 



Between him and the King, the messenger had a dif- 
ficult task to perform ; and many a time, urged by them 
both, I have not known what to do, or what to leave 
undone — what to communicate or what to withhold, — 
so that the intended beneficial object might not suffer. 

The King was concise, firm, and peremptory, — the 
minister prosy, hypothetical, and procrastinating. Often 
when the elaboration of a cabinet resolve has been 
entrusted to me, I have striven and struggled to hit on 
the right and mediatory adjustment ; and on my many 
years 1 laborious career relative thereto, now that it is 
ended, I can look back to the time with inward satisfac- 
tion — conscious that I have often, by my management, 
rendered useful service to both parties, as well as to 
the good cause agitated. 

The difficulties and anxieties attendant on such a go- 
between position were made bearable, and the mediatory 
feelings practicable, owing to the purity of both the 
King and his minister's intentions. 

Whenever their views, judgments and measures were 
divergent, their strivings ever converged towards the 
same object ; and valued and beloved as Altenstein was 
by the King, he maintained his position, though some- 
times experiencing momentary sadness, — on the whole 
he was well supported, and favourably received to the 
end of his life. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 71 

No one could have served his King and country with 
more trustworthiness, devotion, persevering and enduring 
labour than did Altenstein ; and his memory is respected 
for his many good acts, — such as beneficial foundations 
and originations, which the present and future genera- 
tions are, and will be, thankful for. 

It is not to be denied that von Altenstein's circum- 
spection, and doubting, proved at times very trouble- 
some and limiting to the King and his affairs : yet 
more than once very serviceable. 

Many a Church matter did our beloved Sovereign 
think of easy execution when his heart was warm 
on the subject, which, by the existing spirit of con- 
tradiction pervading all ranks, foreboded much oppo- 
sition. Although the King honoured liberty of thought 
and freedom of conscience, leaving them unmeddled 
with ; on the other hand, when he found the ways 
impassable and locked, which he expected would be open 
and lead to the accomplishment of the good object 
he purposed, the beneficial effects of which he had made 
clear to his own mind, he grew fretful and out of 
humour ; — under such circumstances I have often heard 
him say, " It can't be borne ! — It's enough to drive 
one mad ! — It is as though mankind were struck with 
blindness ! " Still, with him it did not happen as it has 
happened many times with other Rulers, who possessed, 



72 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

as fixed ideas, — obstinacy and tenaciousness ; (a dan- 
gerous state of things when combined with power ;) for 
the totality of his character came into operation, and 
therein lay safety and strength. 

Even so in this instance ; for after numerous written 
and viva voce debates, — he, becoming dubious through 
the doubts and remonstrances of his minister von Alten- 
stein, allowed the projected idea of changing general 
confession into special confession, and the thereto con- 
nected alteration in Church discipline, to fall to the 
ground for the present; — but by no means did he 
abandon his intention. 

Although it was not mooted afterwards, the circum- 
stance could not well be omitted in these character- 
istics ; and his treasuring it in his own bosom with 
almost rigid earnestness, clearly proves, how important 
the King held the matter, and how deeply he had dived 
into it ; — moreover, how warmly he had at heart — not 
only the outward which strikes the eye — but the inward 
increase, of the spiritual prosperity of the Church. That 
which for all he had not been able to accomplish, he 
held beneficial for himself, and hesitated not to adopt 
it, in purity of thought, and noble uprightness. 

What, in reference to this matter, I witnessed during 
the last twelve years of his life, owing to the gracious 
confidence he vouchsafed me whenever I officiated at the 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 73 

sacramental table in the Palace Chapel, and what I 
heard from his lips as confession, by virtue of my offi- 
cial position as Confessionarius, permitted me to take 
a deep view into his pure and lofty soul ; which in such 
earnest and holy hours opened, and spoke out unreser- 
vedly a state of mind and life's aim, which more than 
all else put together developed his veritable greatness. 

On these occasions he had nothing to mask or hide ; 
he put aside his earthly majesty and glory ; — they held 
him not back — they deceived him not — dazzled him 
not ; — he was purely man, and desired and struggled to 
become a very Christian. 

What he spake during hours of meditation, after the 
solemnity, in the private apartments of his palace in 
Berlin, and Potsdam, is not imperatively a secret ; on 
the contrary, I feel called on to impart the same to my 
countrymen, that they may more vividly and thankfully 
know what a King they have had in him, and how it 
has happened, that God in a signal manner has blessed 
the royal house, and the whole country through him. 

Therefore dare I make public those communications 
without violating in the slightest degree the duty of 
discretion ; indeed, I hold it to be a sacred charge en- 
trusted to me ; and thank my God, as for one of the 
greatest benevolences of my life, that it has fallen 
to my lot to be able to do so. That which I have 



74 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

preserved in detached memoranda, during the last long 
space of twelve years, I here present in a more conse- 
cutive form, and permit myself to say, that I give what 
I myself heard from the King's own lips — if not in his 
peculiar, concise, and original manner of expression — 
who could ? yet truly and fully, agreeing in contents 
and meaning ; and in aphorisms as he delivered them. 

" You must not suppose that I attend worship from 
mere habit, or that it is custom which occasions me to 
go to the Lord's Supper. Even were it mere habit, it 
were not to be repudiated, — for there are many good 
and praiseworthy habits : — it is to me no simple Church 
ceremony, but a matter of the highest importance — a 
concern of faith, heart, and life. 

" He who is a Christian, knowing himself to be so, — 
to him it is duty, honour, and joy, to declare openly his 
belief in Christ, and to renew the same from time to 
time : that through such refreshings, the mind may be 
enlivened and strengthened. 

" Everything that is not nourished becomes weak and 
sickly. It is requisite, amidst the bustles of life, lured 
and repulsed in a thousand ways, pulled here, then 
there, distracted and weakened, that we get home to 
ourselves again. Are we once more ourselves, then re- 
quire we assistance from a something more exalted and 
better than ourselves. To be enamoured of self — to be 



OP FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 75 

vain of self — is a pitiful and worse than childish con- 
dition. 

" I know nothing that revives and exalts the weary 
soul so much, as a pious self-assembling, a re-collecting 
of something from all, — that is to say, a re-uniting of 
the dispersed, and dismembered, — that so, through the 
re-union, we become stronger : nothing lures more pow- 
erfully or more tenderly — nothing is more humiliating, 
at the same time more exalting — than the solemnity of 
the Holy Supper when the heart is in it : there is no 
institution in which the divine and human are so inti- 
mately blended — so one — as therein. 

" That there are strong minds who can do without it, 
— is what I can't understand ! — for just then, when I 
find myself inwardly best conditioned, I more strongly 
feel the necessity of livelily uniting myself closer to the 
Everlasting and Most High ; and can alone thereby 
find out the right source of safety. You recently held 
forth on ' When I am weak, then am I strong/ — verily 
you did so — in the very language of my soul. 

" And yet there are amongst my attendants, talented, 
intellectual, and exemplary men, who think nothing of 
that holy matter — never so much as feel the want of it ; 
singular ! — they must in their organization be different 
from me. However, I appear not to remark it in them, 
that no one may feel constrained by me. In men who 



/D THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

otherwise have done the state brave service, such profane 
ways may be bearable — but profanation I endure not. 
Profanity in the female sex I abhor. Irreligious and 
godless women I cannot admire — for they are no longer 
women ; — what will become of them \ 

" But God be praised ! — Christianity, and especially 
the Holy Supper, has in its divine tenderness found its 
best and general abode to be, in the kind heart of 
woman. It is, as if the female sex, in its childlike and 
feeling character, were more akin to Christianity than 
the male sex. Their greater faith-aptitude it is, which 
makes them so amiable and worthy of love. I know 
nothing more beautiful, than to behold a pious mother 
instructing her children in piety. Her merit is noise- 
less and tranquil, and peradventure of higher import- 
ance than man's best deeds on the tumultuous stage of 
the world. Does the most celebrated man believe in 
nothing loftier than himself, then is he meritless, and 
poor indeed. 

u As far as relates to myself, I cannot do without my 
Christianity; nay, I should be wretched if I knew not of 
it, and knowing, possessed it not. I do not compre- 
hend how we otherwise should come at certainty and 
confidence, exaltation and dignity, enlightenment, com- 
fort, and hope. All this comes more home to me, ap- 
pears of paramount importance, and grasps me faster, 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 77 

when I prepare to go to the Lord's table, am before 
it, at it, and after partaking of the elements ; — then my 
sensations are peculiar and indescribable; — and I invari- 
ably feel that I would, if I could, retain such state of 
mind longer. 

" The most sorry and miserable view taken of Chris- 
tianity and its holy ordinances, is to assume that learned 
and well informed people only hold religion in respect 
because they consider it so far indispensable and good, 
as that through the superstition which it infuses into the 
middle, and more especially the lower classes, they may 
thereby be more easily held in rein and position ; but 
that the higher and highest rank are permitted to put 
aside such bugbear. If that is to be called enlighten- 
ment, then know I not what darkenment means ! — 
such light, is coup de soleil, and maddens." 

" Man, who is endowed with reason and conscience, 
and a heart full of fear and hope ; is incessantly, as it 
were by instinct, urged on to the invisible, and allured 
by a something unknown : remains he notwithstanding 
void of religion and faith, then is his condition worse 
than the condition of the animals — and to end the sad 
matter, he quickly degenerates to the brute-estate. 

"Although I willingly occupy myself with Christianity, 
go regularly to church, and attend the Lord's Supper — 
and that purely and alone on my own account (and were 



78 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

I a private man I should do so, more undividedly and 
undisturbedly) — nevertheless, I wish thereby to set to 
others a good and cheering example, not for mine, but 
for the holy cause, and the people's sake. 

" I could wish to see all my subjects happy ; but no 
human being can be truly happy who is not good ; and 
to be good from heart and soul, the tranquillizing, rege- 
nerating power of religion is indispensable. There can 
be no doubt about it, when the question relates to the 
connection in which man stands in respect of God ; it is 
also true in respect of the connection between man and 
man ; but in this instance, if those powers which are im- 
planted in human nature by divine grace, do not awaken, 
urge, and vivify him, his natural powers will soon flag 
and lose strength. 

"It is delusion to suppose that knowledge of the 
sciences and fine arts, is sufficient to make men good. 
To cultivate, to polish, to make agreeable, — O yes ! but 
to make the heart pure and upright, true and stedfast ! 
that must come from another quarter. 

" Is religion not added, does it not in domestic and 
school instruction keep step for step with science, — is it 
not made the leading power, then does another power 
take possession of mankind ; and that is the aboriginal 
power of self-love, which growing apace, produces the 
poisonous fruit, Egotism. Egotism then renders the 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 79 

intellectual powers sophistical and pettifogging ; and 
strange to say, it singles out the most sagacious and 
learned, as the readier victims ; it teaches them to play 
at bo-peep in a thousand ways ; and the understand- 
ing so operated on, the individual loses character and 
becomes crafty, sly, and deceitful. Everything born 
of egotism deteriorates man ; that only which humbles 
him (Christianity), betters him. Culture of intellect, 
without moral ennoblement, poisons human society. It 
is like a bundle of figurantes, whose study is to cheat 
and deceive each other in the most courteous manner ; 
still worse, — for cultivated minds practise like them de- 
ceptions, — being mutually conscious of deceit. Man 
no longer trusts to man's word. All transactions must 
be settled by mortgage, deposit, and insurance. The 
precious Word, and our forefathers"' honest hand giving 
' On Truth and Faith, has become a tale of other times. 
Where there is no longer faith, there is no longer truth. 
" I find myself, with reference to the loudly expressed 
desire of the spirit of the times for the education of 
the people, through improvement of the schools, in a 
disagreeable position; and I often feel inquietude on that 
score. Undoubtedly, instruction of the people is the 
basis on which must rest the people's welfare. A neg- 
lected, rude, ignorant people can effect nothing good, 
consequently can be no happy people. Therefore have I 



80 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

in that respect slackened rein, and given and granted as 
much as is justifiable, and consistent with state-house- 
keeping. I hear with pleasure the praises bestowed on 
the advance of education in the Prussian States. A 
curious statistical parallel amused me the other day ; 
according to it — as compared with other countries — the 
greatest number of children receive education in mine ; 
— on the other hand, there are said to be regions in 
Europe where there are no schools. 

" Even where they are in the best and most flourish- 
ing condition, many doubts and scruples press o'er my 
mind. May one be allowed to ask in respect of instruc- 
tion of the people — has it limitations or not ? If it have 
no bounds, then must one not interfere, delay, or hem in, 
but let the matter go on, in whatsoever direction it will, 
and as far as it can. I am, however, not inclined to 
agree thereto unconditionally. But a more knotty point 
arises ; — having decreed that there shall be limits — the 
question is, where are they to be fixed \ There has been 
so much written and sent for my perusal by the gentle- 
men pamphleteers on that subject, that I am almost 
become confused, and can hardly take a broad, and com- 
prehending view of it, in all its bearings. I talked much 
when in Konigsberg with Professor Zeller on the matter : 
afterwards Director Snethlage * proved of a different 

* Director of the great Joachimsthal Gymnasium in Berlin. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 81 

opinion, and his refutation of Pestalozzi verily staggered 
me. 

"It is really confounding when gentlemen who have 
made a given subject their study do not agree, nay, dia- 
metrically oppose each other, — so that what the one 
recommends as beneficial, the other denounces as highly 
dangerous. Thus one becomes wearied and vexed, loses 
desire, and at length feels inclined to give up the matter 
altogether. But that won't do ; the matter in itself is 
of too high importance. 

" I have my own thoughts on the subject — at the 
same time know that I should not be able to carry them 
out. The deceased Bishop Sack * published a pamphlet 
containing similar ideas to my own, — he got unmerci- 
fully criticised, and obtained the now hacknied appella- 
tion of ' Obscurator ;' yet was he a worthy, clear-headed 
man, and one who meant well towards all mankind. 

" My opinion is this : — Every man, without exception, 
has in every grade, as man, a twofold calling : the one 
for heaven — everlasting ! the other for earth — social ! 
Considered as a reasonable and immortal being, there 
can be no bounds for his moral culture, — the career 
opened to him is without end, and without halt, — he must 
endeavour more and more to improve, that is, to become 

* The former Court Chaplain in Potsdam. Bishop Eylert, the 
author of these characteristics, succeeded him. — Tr. 



82 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

more and more acceptable to his Maker, and more like 
to the Saviour in purity of intention and deed. Man is 
never so good that he may not be better — therefore his 
strivings must in nowise relax. The greater his moral 
improvement is and grows, so much greater are his indi- 
vidual comforts and peace of mind — and his usefulness, 
and general worth as a member of society. 

" The capability of human nature to acquire unlimited 
improvement, is to me its loftiest point, and the clearest 
proof of its being from God ; and that drawn by Him, it 
will as a necessary result be united again to Him. In 
that respect, stagnation, which in our day has obtained 
the affrighting name of ' stupefaction,' is hateful to me ; 
and all that is called ' advancement,' in reference to the 
former, is welcome to me, and has ever had my liveliest 
interest ; moreover it will receive, so long as I live and 
reign, my readiest support. I am of opinion that 
through and by means of schools and churches, there can 
never be too much done in that respect. Thereby to 
awaken, stir up, and advance the good cause, how, and 
whenever it can be brought about, is highly meritorious. 
All schoolmasters and clergymen, who have been effec- 
tive in this pure sphere of action, have especially my 
good will, and I have distinguished them by rewards and 
honours, more abundantly than heretofore. 

" All is beautiful and good so far ; but from the 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 83 

other point of view, — that which involves their earthly 
calling, — therein I am of a different opinion, and must 
contradict. The earthly destination of man forms itself 
according to the condition in which he is born, the con- 
nection in which he finds himself, the disposition and 
capabilities that Heaven has lent him, and the inclina- 
tion he feels to this or that occupation. For such 
calling, he must be awakened, taught, and formed, so 
that he possess all the necessary knowledge and techni- 
cal dexterity requisite ; and (I have especially the mid- 
dle and lower classes in view) be it merchant, manufac- 
turer or artisan, farmer, peasant, day-labourer or ser- 
vant (each in his degree), should know that which it 
behoves him to know, so that his calling become a 
pleasure, and he useful to others. 

" We neither do him nor society a benevolence, if we 
educate him beyond that which is consistent with his 
degree and calling ; for we give him thereby useless 
information, and awaken in him pretensions and wants 
which his position in life permits not to be satisfied. 
Man cannot learn everything, — thereto, are the objects 
worthy of knowledge too many, and life too short. Let 
each one learn fundamentally and well, that which for 
his calling it is necessary he should know. More is not 
requisite for the attainment of his object in life, — on 
the contrary, it would disturb and hinder. 
g2 



84 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

" It robs them of that peace, composedness and limi- 
tation, which all mechanical callings pre-suppose and 
require, if they shall signally succeed. Acquirements 
beyond the boundary of rank and calling, make forward, 
presuming, and disputative : leading to the disastrous 
inclination of making 'comparisons/ and occasion, 
when awakened by feelings of equal human rights, un- 
just judgments, and dissatisfaction of mind. Instead of 
being comfortable within accustomed limits, they extend 
the circle of their wishes ; and their lives become un- 
steady and disturbed. They miss what they have 
never had, and enjoy not what they have. There can 
be no order in the world without subordination ; is this 
reluctantly borne because they choose to fancy they are 
clever enough for something higher, — then will the band 
which binds those in authority with those who are 
subaltern, and holds together domestic and private life, 
become loosened; — all those who, by their mounting 
pretensions, unwillingly bow to necessity, feel their pre- 
sent duties to be pinching fetters. 

" Beyond all doubt, a dark spirit of disquiet and ex- 
citement, of pulling down and hunting up, has come o'er 
the present generation. One class will equal and outdo 
another, and all are inclined to pass their boundaries ; 
thence comes this stinging, stimulating turmoil. 

" With the ever domineering, and crescentive desire 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 85 

for sensual enjoyment, and the thereout springing in- 
crease of poverty, there is a fermenting leaven below ; 
which, working to the surface, has already here and 
there shown an internal agitation, threateningly. I 
should not wish, by living long enough, to be an eye- 
witness of the explosion. 

" Is the feeling of equality and the rights of man 
awakened, — must not in like degree the power be 
awakened and organized which shall make duty of equal 
sanctity with rights ? — if the former takes place without 
the latter, what result can be expected \ The greatest 
danger of our times may be looked for, from the simul- 
taneous advance of intelligence and pauperism. 

" The culture of intelligence in every direction, by 
means of public schools, is not to be repudiated ; but it 
must not be the highest — the ultimate aim. On apt- 
ness in calling, character, and conduct, will all eventu- 
ally hinge. 

" Frightful is the diabolic power which resides in 
human nature. What has not been undertaken, and 
what is not continually undertaken, to hinder its out- 
break, and keep it within limits ! We have scaffolds, 
jails, houses of correction, courts of justice and police, 
arms and sentinels ; yet in every monthly report from 
the provinces of the monarchy, I am forced to read, to 



86 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

my great sorrow, that the jails are more and more 
crowded. 

" If I see not the fruit of national education of the 
people, then can I place no confidence therein. But the 
error is not confined to the schools, it must be sought 
elsewhere. It is not true, at least not the whole truth, 
to say the fault lies in the rudeness and ignorance of the 
people ; e teach and instruct them, awaken feelings of 
honour, make mankind happier — and they will neces- 
sarily become better ! ' Oh no, the better-becoming 
must come from another quarter. 

" Even in the higher classes, those we call educated, — 
where boasted intelligence is in superabundance, — have 
I, personally, found the greater quantity of moral corrup- 
tion ; not in that grade, as such, but in many individuals 
belonging thereto, who prided themselves on their rank : 
clever, discreet, adroit, useful, agreeable people. I 
have selected them, placed them in office, attached 
them to my person, given them honours, dignity and 
lands, — yet even they have acted towards me with in- 
gratitude, neglect of duty, perfidy and malice. In good 
fortune they appeared as though they could, and would, 
do everything, — but in misfortune ! which unmasked 
them, they treacherously and disloyally left me. 

"Ambition and covetousness, when they seek to be 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 87 

satisfied and are really appeased, appear all devotion 
to the cause and service of Father-land ; but in the 
hour of need and danger, 'tis evident they only meant 
to serve themselves. The sting ambition is in egotism ; 
— is a sacrifice necessary — then is that sting blunt ; — 
covetousness retires, when there is nothing more to ap- 
propriate. 

" Prudence is far from wisdom. Braggadocio is not 
courage. Fine words prove not character. Officious- 
ness is not attachment. Obsequiousness is not love ; 
and official cleverness is far from trustworthiness. The 
true, genuine, unvarnished virtue of mankind lies deeper, 
and springs from quite another source ; which, not flow- 
ing within ourselves, all the kindness and favours of the 
best of rulers cannot produce it. 

" Teach me to know mankind (?) — I have had experi- 
ence enough of all descriptions. The truth of the whole 
matter is this : — the heart of man is fallen from God, 
and if it returns not to Him with earnestness and up- 
rightness, all we do is a mental delusion — a life without 
root or substance. Is he born in Christendom, brought 
up and confirmed in Christendom — he can only find ac- 
cess to God through faith in Christ. 

" Whosoever in Christendom, surrounded by its 
blessings, falls from Christ in thought and feeling, has 
a hard task before him, to become again reconciled to 



88 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

God. He is in an evil position ; and nine times out of 
ten he becomes lukewarm, and mistakes the point of 
re-union. I am delighted to talk with Hufeland on such 
subjects ; had he lived in the days of Christ, I verily 
believe Christ would have chosen him for one of his 
disciples. 

"It is not to be gainsaid that Christianity incom- 
modes : are we willing to become what it will have us 
to be — then is it opposed to our natural desires. The 
conflict with temper is a difficult struggle. It is pos- 
sible, by piously watching over self, to hold it in rein, 
and violent and sinful outbursts be thereby avoided : but 
effectually to drive back or entirely to repress impulses, 
therein very few succeed — for they ever and anon make 
their appearance again : has he plucked up one evil root, 
— in an unguarded moment another presents itself. Alas ! 
one has always abundantly to do with self: — 'tis well 
that with years one grows quieter and more composed. 

" The most grievous position is when man is in con- 
troversy with himself. The good and evil principles 
in his bosom are ever in conflict with each other. 

" One must be always on the watch, that evil prevail 
not, and that we remain strong in righteousness. It's a 
slow process — but we improve : well for us if, instead of 
falling back, we keep advancing, however little ! there is 
no better or more blissful feeling, than that of religious 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III.. 89 

growth; other joys, compared to the consciousness of 
internal improvement, are as nothing. 

"Alas ! such exalted state of mind remains not long. 
Before, at, and after the solemnity of the Holy Supper, 
we have good thoughts, — we take pious determinations 
and vows, with intent to keep them honestly and up- 
rightly — but we soon relax — and before we are aware, 
we have got into the old path again. It is the sad 
destiny of life to be continually disturbed and intruded 
on. I would fain be oftener and longer alone — but that 
is impossible. Our duties never cease, and every morn- 
ing the same routine, with variations, begins again. 
The delightful thoughts we have had, the pious feelings 
we have cherished, the good purposes we have enter- 
tained, are all carried away by the stream of earthly 
things ; and w r e find ourselves but where we were : not a 
hair's breadth further. This has often caused me sad- 
ness and vexation, and I have found solace solely in the 
conscientious performance of the duties of my position : 
even in the transitory nothingness of earthly circum- 
stance there is a doing of God's will. Would that one 
could get rid of tediously wordy, and useless communica- 
tions. Often am I myself miscomprehended, on most 
trivial things. 

" I could almost envy the comfortable contentedness 
of mind I see in some persons : I am never so : . the more 



90 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

earnestly I ponder o'er the matter, and investigate self, 
the more discontented am I with myself. I know from 
the Word of God what I should do, and I desire to do 
it ; but I can never wholly succeed — I can never satisfy 
myself. Something unripe clings to all my endeavours 
— a defectiveness ; 'tis all below the Christian idea of 
the matter. God has graciously kept me from coarse 
sins ; nevertheless I know of no single transaction in my 
whole life that I can dare quote, in His holy presence, 
as being pure in thought and deed, — free from earthly 
blemish. For that reason is the praise and commen- 
dation of mankind hateful to me. All hinges on, how 
we stand in respect of God; that is the only stan- 
dard. 

" The egotism and self-satisfaction of mankind often 
vex me ; often, too, they have caused me to smile ; 
for they call to my mind the straddling tail-vain 
peacocks, the strutting turkeys, and the self-ena- 
moured apes of the Peacock Island,* — just like them ! 
— laughable folly ! miserable self-delusion ! — what is 
man ? Has he given himself his undoubtedly glorious 
and multipotent talents and faculties ? No, he received 

* A beautiful and favourite small island, in the Havel, near to 
Potsdam, about four miles in circumference ; on which the King 
has a chateau, aviaries, and domestic birds of all descriptions; — also 
a menagerie, and a celebrated garden, noted for its diversity of 
roses. — Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 91 

them. The favourable connections through which, and 
circumstances under which, he is able to use and apply 
them ? No, they were sent. Is he lord of them ? — 
they may be taken from him any moment. And yet 
is he vain and arrogant ! O stupidity ! — Men who lose 
their reason, and those who use it wrongly, are greatly 
infected by a vain, unbounded ambition ; when that tips 
over, snap go the strings, and the fixed idea is es- 
tablished with all its discords. 

" The egotist, having nothing but self-love to sup- 
port him, is always weak of soul, and cowardly in 
danger; true, genuine courage, springs from humility. 
The gentlemen at Auerstadt # boasted and poltronized. 
The gentlemen at Culm, and Leipsig, and Belle Alliance f 
were ardent, silent, and reflective. The former looked 
with self-complacency on themselves, — the latter with 
humility towards God. Such is the distinction, and in 
it lies the result. 

"When I hear a matter introduced as grand, and 
superlatively promising, — I directly lose confidence 
therein ; therefore have I no great opinion of philosophy, 
which arrogantly pretends to know all and every thing, 
alone, and better than others. Obesity is not health. 

" In humility alone resides true power and equipoise. 

* The battle of, more generally known as the battle of Jena. 
f Waterloo. 



92 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

Not to overrate ourselves — to understand ourselves — to 
use the powers given us well and timely, and then to 
put confidence in God, — this presupposes and requires 
courage, and therefore the humble man is always the 
strongest and most courageous. 

"For that reason I cannot join in the unqualified 
panegyrics of our times ; their tendency is egotistic ; 
now, no one duly honours the authorities, for every one 
will make himself an authority, — but that can't be : — 
thus is life entangled, and lamed. 

" God governs the whole. Every human being is an 
integral part, and his deeds fragmental. Every one 
an instrument ; — the best is always and only that man 
who is and dares feel himself an instrument in the 
hands of God. There are also instruments of the Devil ; 
— he is the Father of Lies, and untruth is the source of 
all sin. 

" On God's blessing all depends ; I hold to that truth 
firmly — I know it, and have experienced it. In the years 
1806, 7 and 8, a heavy curse was on us, — and every 
thing miscarried. In the years 1813 and 14, God's 
blessing returned, and every thing succeeded. Even 
the errors then committed, the repulses we experienced, 
the misunderstandings that occurred, the confusions 
which arose, fell out, through a marvellous combina- 
tion of fortunate circumstances, to our advantage, — 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 93 

and led to the most unexpected and favourable results ; 
— so much so, that we were surprised and astounded. 

" The important victory at Culm — so beneficial in its 
consequences, — common report, indeed historical works, 
have attributed to my insight and orders ; but the truth 
is quite otherwise. My ally the Emperor Alexander, 
and myself, had taken our stand on the day of the battle 
on the Castle Hill near Toplitz, whence we could survey 
the whole field of conflict. The balance fluctuated — 
indeed, was inclining towards the French — when at 
mid-day, at the very deciding moment, General v. Kleist 
appeared on the heights of Nollendorf with his corps, 
which insured us the victory. His arrival was by no 
means part of an arranged plan, but a fortunate circum- 
stance. For in reality General v. Kleist was in full 
flight from the unfortunate affair near Dresden, followed 
by the French, and had constrainedly chosen the route 
through Bohemia for his retreat towards Silesia; — that 
it was which brought him to the right spot, at the right 
moment, where help was needed. We knew nothing of 
him, neither did he know anything of us, — nothing was 
agreed upon. That he did not make his appearance 
earlier, nor later, nor more to the left, nor more to the 
right, but at the eventful hour, in the right place for 
deciding the battle — was help and salvation from God. 
My thankfulness and joy were therefore more inwardly 
pure ; and I do not feel inclined to have such sensations 



94 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

disturbed and spoiled, by having attributed to me that 
which I had no part in; — to God be the honour and 
praise ! * 

" God's blessing on heart and calling is the best 
dower man can have ; so is it for a country and people. 
To obtain that, thereto must all our endeavours be 
directed. 

" The disputes of theological gentlemen relative to 
prayer-answering, — whether such does, or does not, take 
place \ are to me vexatious, and have worked much harm. 
It is a matter of experience, as is all practical Chris- 
tianity ; we cannot think ourselves into it ; no, we must 
live ourselves into it. To declare, and fix beforehand, 
whether God will hear and answer my supplication, 
is perversion, I might say blasphemy. Dare any man — 
be he the most penetrating — fix a boundary line, showing 
how far the Divine influence extends, or where it stops 
in respect of human affairs ? 

"All religion and piety rest on the consciousness of 
a connection existing between man and God. The more 
we place confidence in Him, the more we may obtain 
from His grace ; — it happens to man according to his 
faith, — and he receives according to his receptibility, 

* Although this book treats not of political or military affairs, the 
writer has felt it his duty to communicate this fact as it fell from 
the King's lips, belonging as it does to history and truth, and is a 
beautiful addition to the characteristics of the King, — again show- 
ing how truth and piety were all in all to him. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 95 

This receptibility is awakened and extended through 
prayer : — only the supplicant shall receive, and the 
seeker find. 

" Experience alone decides the matter ; and those who 
have acquired it, hold it of value infinitely beyond all 
the doubts and objections that can be raised against it. 
They may carry it noiselessly and thankfully in their 
hearts, and profane it not. As in Christianity, so also in 
Christian life, there are mysteries; there is an outer- 
court, a sanctuary, and the holy of holies. It depends on 
where we are stationed. One must not judge another, 
or presume to make his own ideas a dogma for others. 
Every one must know and feel whereon he himself is, 
and live on his own faith. 

" For the rest, the blessed words, Call on me in the 
time of need, and I will rescue thee, and thou shalt 
praise me ! will maintain their worth and their power. 
Experience in this matter is of more value than all 
theories. The subtilties and vanity of theory often block 
up the path of experience, particularly in youth. I 
should not like to be guilty of that. Holy things 
require a pious and delicate treatment. 

" We lay great stress on the literature of the teachers 
in churches and schools — we should lay equal stress on 
their pious conscientiousness. The former without the 
latter is nothing worth. 



96 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

" But how may it be remedied \ A thousand times 
have I given my opinion on the subject, both in writing 
and by word of mouth, and the correctness of my opinion 
has been admitted ; but there is no visible change and 
improvement. The fundamental error, ' intelligence is 
paramount,' maintains the upper hand ; yet must church 
and school form mankind for life, and for practice. 

" Of what use is boasted knowledge, if it does not 
make men better ? Our ancestors knew less, and did 
more ; we know more, and do less. 

" No doctrine is more serious and difficult than that 
of Sin, yet none is so lightly treated. One analyzes it 
theoretically, — and all discuss it, instead of bringing 
the subject home to conscience. One asks and answers 
the difficult question, as if it related to a logical or 
arithmetical idea, and not to a matter which may occa- 
sion horrors to mankind. We define lies, and at the 
same time inoculate vain children with them, by 
praising their having cleverly answered a given ques- 
tion. Scientific instruction, has taken a direction 
which will decidedly awaken and foster that funda- 
mental sin, egotism. 

" Concord, in which the whole exists and flourishes, 
springs chiefly from conformity of sentiment — partly 
conformity of views. When has the divergency of idea 
been wider, or the capability greater, to hold forth 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 97 

and criticise, than in our times ! When I hear and read 
the controversies maintained by all classes of the people, 
I am astounded at their redundancy of words. I cannot, 
however, look on that as giving eminence or proving 
advancement ; for I have always remarked, that those 
who think most and deepest, speak the least. 

" A small fund of ideas is more quickly put into cir- 
culation than a large fund. When I was young, things 
were very differently ordered : then, every one kept 
within the limits of a single science, namely, that which 
he had studied, and purposed to follow through life, — his 
judgment on what related thereto, was as a consequence 
received with respect ; — but by our universality of edu- 
cation, as appears by every instruction-prospectus, good 
intellects are made conversant with every department 
of knowledge, — so as to be able to prate on all subjects, 
— vainly desiring that their opinions should be of current 
value. Does this many-sidedness of instruction, which 
cannot as a consequence be fundamental, benefit Life 
or Science \ 

" I have heard much in favour of Schulpforte,* — the 
officials there formed, are said to be, by comparison, 
the most fundamental and best educated. With 
spiritual food, it may be much the same as with bodily 

* One of the old Saxon Electoral Colleges, near Naunburg, now- 
belonging to Prussia. — Tr. 



98 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

food ; — it is not the quantity and diversity, — but that 
which is good, and what we enjoy and duly digest, that 
produces health and strength. Mankind, partially 
speaking, appear to be dreadfully crammed, and many 
suffer from paunchiness. Would that one were more 
rigid and cautious in respect of sinning ! Sin is the 
evil out of which all other human evils spring. It is 
frightful to notice by how many provocatives, desire and 
inclination to sin are awakened. The paths are opened 
on all sides, instead of being barricaded. Could we see 
guilt, as it really is, every one would be shocked at its 
hideousness; — one is aware of it, and therefore is it 
decked out, painted, and obtains foreign and less repul- 
sive names, that its odiousness may offend as little as 
possible. 

" Such is resistance of God — by trespassing on His 
laws, — therefore the most formidable sin that can occur ; 
— nevertheless the most universal. 

" All — without exception, — truly, the one more, the 
other less, — carry in their bosoms the festering wound, 
and with the sin, the inward contradiction. On account 
of this moral sickness of human nature, did a Saviour 
and Redeemer appear, in the person of Jesus Christ, 
who can and will heal us, and free us from such disease. 
The doctrine of Sin, or rather the exposition of its 
destructive effects, is therefore the chief doctrine of 



OP FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 99 

Christianity ; for which reason it is also an Evangelium, 
a glad tidings announcing recovery and deliverance. Dis- 
ease, bondage and fetters are to be taken away. The 
world is full of joy at the suppression of serfism ;* yet 
how much more should it rejoice at the emancipation 
which Christianity can and will give. To become 
liberated from sin, from the lust and desire thereof ; — 
that is the grand desideratum. 

" The strength and readiness to strive for holiness 
develop — and can only be developed — after the greatest 
exigency which presses on mankind is removed — 
namely, guilt and punishment ; this lively conscious- 
ness of guilt is the inward worm that gnaws. Shall we 
have courage and gladness for the present and future I 
We must first be tranquillized as to our past life, — and 
that in a clear and convincing manner. 

" Therefore is the doctrine contained in the Holy 
Scriptures relative to the forgiveness of sins, the chief 
teaching of Christendom, and the vivifying principle of 
the great work of Redemption, in which the fulness of 
grace concentres. 

" Forgiveness is reconciliation ; a reconcilement with 
self, with God and mankind ; sin, and a sinful state of 
mind, put us in contradiction and struggle with our- 

* This more particularly refers to the annulment of bondage, or 
serfism, in the Prussian States, which was decreed in 1810. — Tr. 

H 2 



100 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

selves, God, and mankind; — this must be done away 
with, and harmony re-established, before mankind at- 
tains to internal peace, and the power of virtue. 

" The assurance, and the consciousness of forgiveness 
of sins, man cannot give himself. His reason, on the 
contrary, leads him to the necessary concatenation of 
cause and effect ; his conscience condemns him for ten 
thousand sins, committed in thought, word, and deed ; 
and although physical nature manifests to him a bene- 
volent God — yet does moral nature present to him no 
other than an angered Deity. 

" For that reason, all nations, before the establishment 
of Christianity, felt anxiety on that score ; and the whole 
tendency of their divine service and ceremonies was to 
find out an acceptable mode of propitiating the Most 
High, thereby to obtain reconciliation and forgiveness of 
sins, the whole extent of which could only be known to 
an Omniscient. 

" So soon as conscience is awake, and we earnestly set 
about improvement, the necessity of forgiveness of sins 
is first on the list ; without which — peace, courage, 
strength, and hope cannot be obtained. 

" The glorious proclamation of total amnesty, and the 
world-liberating doctrine of general forgiveness of sins, 
are preached to the world by the reconciliation-death of 
Jesus Christ, — and fallen mankind is raised up again by 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 101 

virtue of his cross. To many, all this is foolishness and 
a stumbling-block ; but to those who know what sins, 
and their forgiveness, have to do with conscience, it 
is divine power and wisdom. Therefore is the Holy 
Supper such an indescribable, solemn, and comforting 
matter. The Christian brings to the altar, confession of 
his sins — and receives the forgiveness. 

" O, what is not contained therein ! He who feels that 
he must die, and that such may happen at any moment — 
who believes in a judgment and an Eternity — can never 
know quiet as to the present and future until he feels 
conscious of being relieved of his past sin-score. 

" Who is to relieve him therefrom I He himself has 
not the power; for he is the debtor bending beneath 
accumulated debts. 

" Sophisms, and the delights of sense, may for a time 
silence the inward monitor, — but not for ever. He 
knows how to enforce his rights, and make himself felt, 
by means of anxious hours and sleepless nights. Old 
and long forgotten ulcers open afresh, and inward con- 
sciousness tells of penalties to come. Conscience never 
sleeps so soundly as not to awake at the approach of 
death. 

"It is in these, the soul's profoundest points, that 
Scriptural Christianity develops itself, in all its consoling 



102 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

and helping fulness. The doctrine of the reconciliation- 
death of Jesus, and the therewith combined divine 
promise of forgiveness of sins, — fill believers with the 
blessed feelings of acquittal, of salvation, and of Re- 
demption. 

" The greatest of all benevolences, — that of internal 
freedom, — fills the soul with innermost reciprocity of 
love, and the most heartfelt gratitude. Love and grati- 
tude are the whole morality of Christians, and love and 
gratitude make the most difficult duties easy. Love and 
gratitude are the fundamental powers of moral nature, 
and surpass every other motive, in purity, strength, and 
durability. 

" Love and gratitude place mankind in the tender, and 
at the same time influential, position of child and father, 
and engender childlike simplicity of sentiment. When 
this childlike simplicity reigns, it leads to the blessed 
state of adoption ; then, one has nothing to fear from 
God's stern justice, — but everything to hope for from 
His fatherly love, — in time and eternity. 

" The right of adoption spreads over the heart, life, 
and whole Christian existence, a serene quiet and an 
invigorating peace, — every thing is in accordance and 
harmony, — the outward and inward attuned. The 
miserable patchwork — the wretched labouring on single 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 



103 



virtues, ends ; the huddled together fragments of single 
ideas and images disappear ; the starts and ebullitions of 
changing motives vanish, — and the still, deep power of 
gratitude and love makes the stream of life clear and 
peaceful, and we know of a safety haven, to which we 
have — right of entrance. 

"Single good works, whereby many think to benefit 
their account with God, and even merit reward, are 
no longer available ; being of no more value than new 
patches on an old garment, making the blemish larger. 
Luther admirably says, ' Good works do not make a 
good man, but a good man makes good works.' All 
depends on the feelings, — and one can arrive at union 
with God, only through the childlike feelings of love and 
gratitude. 

" In His presence nothing on our part can be meri- 
torious. The Christian is no servant, who does service 
and claims hire, — but a child in the Father's house, 
who can and will inherit. 

" These childlike dispositions of mind, this simplicity 
of life, all that is good in and about man, are the natural 
result of love and gratitude, — but can only appear through 
the consciousness of Divine Grace ; therefore is it the 
vivifying principle and cause of his acceptable condition 
— they the effect, — but in no respect vice versa. 

" So have I understood the Bible; and that is the pure 



104 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

substance and vivifying spirit of our Evangelical Church. # 
From the time that all this was made clear and im- 
portant to me, I have become more confident in my 
faith, my duties have proved easier, my peace serener, 
and my power has gained more inward strength. 

"I know of no other means by which it could be 
brought more home to mankind — made of more im- 
portance, and at the same time simpler to them. Yet 
have I remarked that the majority of clergymen fail to 
enforce sufficiently the main doctrinal points — the re- 
conciliation-death of Jesus, the forgiveness of sins, the 
power of gratitude and love, and the state of adoption : 
on the other hand, they occupy themselves with non- 
essentials. Nevertheless, all depends on the childlike 
feeling of mankind : has one obtained that, then will 
everything relative to religious life prove lighter; — but 
has he not attained to that state of simplicity, no code 
of morals will be of help to him. Morality alone, is a 
tree without healthy roots. 

" 'Tis strange, but nevertheless true, that those 
weighty matters are often, more quickly seen and more 
fundamentally understood by pious and upright laymen, 
than by learned theologians who have studied deeply ; 

* The King in 1817 caused the union of the Lutheran and Cal- 
vinistic Churches throughout the monarchy, which now form the 
United Evangelical Church.— Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 105 

and consequently ought to know better all that relates 
to such holy subjects. 

" There is no class of men more opinionated, and with 
which one has more difficulty, than with the theologians. 
In all transactions with them, bitterness and party-spirit 
never fail to show themselves : one has heard tell of theo- 
logical hate ; said to be the most deadly of hates. That 
Luther experienced it, is matter of no great surprise, 
for he was a vehement, spare-nobody man ; but there 
must be something more in it, — some deeper cause, — for 
Melanchthon, one of the most learned, meek and peace- 
loving of theologians, experienced it, — brought about by 
his own congregation; whereat he complains bitterly. 
Not without emotion did I read lately the fervent prayer 
which burst from that venerated reformer when on his 
death-bed, and fully conscious of the near approach of 
death, — he therein thanks his God, for that he will soon 
free him from the fury of theological hate. — Dreadful ! 
and that within the pale of a mild religion, whose highest 
principle is love. I am sometimes inclined to think that 
there exists a theology void of religion. What has a 
Christian community, requiring edification and comfort, 
to do with the controversies of quarrelsome theologians ? 

" I read somewhere this curious passage : ' Artists have 
always been the most hurtful to the arts, and the ser- 
vants of the Church the greatest enemies of the Church.' 



106 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

" The misfortune is, such things are repeated, and so 
old stories become new. Touching the business of the 
Church union, I read with much interest transactions 
relative thereto, in what took place in the reign of 
the Great Elector, Frederick William I. I was inclined 
to believe, that we of the present day were further 
advanced, and better understood the pure spirit of 
Christianity, than they. But the same contradiction 
that my ancestors experienced, I am fated to hear two 
hundred years afterwards, with this difference, — that 
they were then ardently pondered o'er and more funda- 
mental, whereas the now offered rubbish is without foun- 
dation and inward force, — a miserable prating. 

" I have had divers treatises sent me, maintaining 
that the formula * of the Holy Supper according to the 
newly-arranged Prayer-Book, favours the doctrine of the 
Calvinistic Church more than the Lutheran, — and there- 
fore the said Prayer Book is a hinderance to the Church 
union. There's not a word of truth in what they say ! 
" I know well that the union depends much on that 
point ; therefore, to do away with all creeds and sepa- 
rating party-spirit, and to blend both parties into one 
Evangelical Church, the Holy thing is brought back to 
its fundamental authority, — where one alone can come 
at the primitive typifi cation. 

* See Appendix. 



i 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 



107 



" The Lutherans and Calvinists put not their faith in 
Luther and Calvin, but in Jesus Christ, whom they both 
have preached, and who is the only Lord and Master 
of all Christian Churches, confessions, and individual 
Christians. It is neither Luther's nor Calvin's Holy Sup- 
per that is solemnized, but Jesus Christ's. Is it possible 
to solemnize the same in a purer and better, — a truer 
and a more awakening manner, — than when one ex- 
clusively takes the words — the only words — used by our 
Lord himself, — void of all human additions ? Does this 
take place, then is neither the Lutheran nor the Calvin- 
istic dogma violated. This has taken place, — and one had 
a right to hope that the unfortunate wall of separation 
would be thereby removed. But there are strange and 
astounding theologians, who would be more Christianly 
than Christ himself. The veritable foundation of their 
opposition, however, is this, — governed by old prejudices, 
bound to accustomed words sanctioned by the Church, 
and led by earlier impressions and sentiments, they can 
only think of the Holy matter in the inherited manner, 
and fancy and fear that they will lose the essence if they 
surrender the darling Old Form. 

u In plain, well-intentioned folks, such conduct may 
be explained and excused, — moreover they should be 
treated with delicate indulgence on all occasions. But 
Doctors of the Holy Scriptures, theologians, and pastors 



108 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

of parishes, ought to know the vivifying, pure spirit of 
Christianity better ; and if they, obscured by the dead 
letters of the Confession, damp this spirit, and would 
separate the union and unity that Christ and His 
Apostles evidently intended, by hindering, disturbing, 
and originating discontent, — then do they heap on them- 
selves grievous and heavy sins. 

" It doth appear to me that limitation of the Spirit of 
Christ to arbitrary human forms, and fettering to such 
forms this delicate, and at the same time potent matter 
is truly affrighting ; I see therein a violation and usur- 
pation, which may be difficult to vindicate, and such as 
the conscientious lover of truth would not be guilty of. 

" Especially — the most delicate points are thereby 
wounded — the most glorious and precious thing that 
the Lord had in view, and what He desired to give them, 
is hindered, and denied to those who would come to 
Him. The all-encompassing sublimity of Christianity is 
shrivelled, and withers under the pressure of human 
formularies. 

" I cannot enough marvel at the deep wisdom and ex- 
tensive benignity of the Redeemer, in respect of the Holy 
Supper, as displayed in the manner and form of its ordi- 
nation, and the words which fell from His lips on the 
occasion. Like all His sayings, — so does this include 
within it the qualities of clearness and depth. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 109 

" Clearness, that every one, even the simplest, may 
comprehend ; and profoundness beyond the fathoming of 
the most penetrating thinker. Combining these two 
qualities, the words of the Holy Ordinances suit every 
degree of education and faith of the community, and 
give to every one from this abundance, what according 
to his aptness he can compass, and what according 
to his capacity he is capable of receiving and con- 
taining. 

" The simple but honest peace-of-soul seeking Chris- 
tian, the plain citizen, and the countryman, in their 
taking of the elements, show forth the death of the Lord 
with the same gratitude as a Newton, a Leibnitz, and a 
Haller ; and they, as well as these, feel themselves 
raised up, strengthened and advanced, — each according 
to his capability of comprehending. 

" All, of whatever rank they may be, join in, and par- 
take of the same elements ; but every one receives dif- 
ferently, each according to that which is in him. 

" Marvellously doth the Holy solemnity suit itself to 
every individuality ; it encompasseth, taketh hold of, 
bendeth, and exalteth every one in his peculiarity; 
each one otherwise, and yet all through a one grand 
animating power, are collected and united, notwith- 
standing differences of rank and mind, — in the Great 
One who died for all, and of whom all are in need. 



110 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

" Fruits common and rare, fostered by the light and 
warmth of One Sun, are awakened, enlivened and 
ripened, each according to its species and quality ; yet 
all proceed from, develop and grow, through the influ- 
ence of a wonderful and divine power. 

" This has been the plan of the Creator, as well of 
the natural, as of the spiritual world : in and through 
the Cross He has established sublimest unity in richest 
manifoldness, — spreading the same beautifully, and 
gloriously, through thousand tongues, and languages, — 
from the rising to the setting sun ; — this and this alone 
is the profound, yet clear hieroglyph presented to us in 
the Holy Sacrament ; — the sun as it were of the spi- 
ritual heaven. 

" What have the theologians not made of it ? And 
what are they not continually making of it ? The clear 
and profound words of the Lord, they compress into forms 
of miserable dead letter, and as it were lace the powerful 
word of God, within constraining formularies of secta- 
rian creeds. 

" What the Lord would unite and bring together as 
one flock under one shepherd, the theologians tear asun- 
der ; sowing discord amongst the community, by tacking 
to their fabricated formularies blessing and curse, and 
occasioning the Holy banquet of Love to become a ban- 
quet of dispute and severance. — Frightful ! 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 11L 

" Conscious of the pureness of my motive, and certain 
that the begun union of the Churches, in the manner I 
have pointed out, is a good and well-pleasing task in the 
sight of God, and suited to the spirit of Christianity, 
I feel sad and vexed at the renewed opposition mani- 
fested on the part of the so-called Old Lutherans, and 
which continues, instigated by ugly insinuations. But I 
will not let drop the good and holy matter — -I have it 
too much at heart. Besides, it has already taken root, 
and is, although slowly, progressing. I hope to God it 
will continue more and more to thrive, even though I 
live not to see it flourish. But with respect to the 
theologians, the matter stands worse than I anticipated ; 
and I must often damp my indignation by the divine 
supplication, Father, forgive them, for they know not 
what they do. 

" But it is part of the blessed working of the vouch- 
safed solemnity of the Holy Supper, that it, by its 
mysterious powers, exalts above all refractoriness, and 
obstinacy that here opposes and would oppress and limit, 
— transplanting to a realm of light and peace, where 
all is different and better. In this Holy solemnity one 
finds oneself on the boundary of two worlds, and one is 
inwardly quickened at the thought that life's path 
leads through trials and troubles to an Eternal Home, 
where that will be made clear, which has been dark to 



112 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

us here! But the darkness affrights not those who 
are on the side of Him who is the Light of the World, 
&c. &c." 



I find by my Diary, that I could extend such Royal 
Confessions of the last twelve years ; but enough is here 
communicated, to show on what foundation King Fre- 
derick William III. stood as a Christian, and in what 
sphere he breathed and lived. 

Throughout we see that the holy matter was a sacred 
subject of highest earnestness with him. With that re- 
spectful God-fearing awe peculiar to himself, he looked 
up to it and treated it as a holy thing. If it was his 
practice to despatch all worldly business that came be- 
fore him with clearness and promptitude on the spot, 
and without long consideration, — in his treatment of 
matters relative to religion he was anything but rash. 

Before he began to speak, a pause ensued, and one 
could observe that he collected himself, and re-thought 
and arranged what he purposed to say. The movement 
of his body responded to the movement of his mind. 
He extended himself in his chair, the muscles of his 
face vibrated, his features became milder, his countenance 
was more lively, and his usual temperament, almost bor- 






OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 113 

dering on coldness, went over to a placid yet increasing 
energy. By it animated, his aphoristic and fragmental 
manner of speaking was dropt, and so soon as the subject 
gained in interest, the same became a clear, deep stream 
— a stream however, which never flowed between flowery 
banks, — but truly through fruitful meads. Nothing in, 
or about him, was imaginary — all practical. 

The truth and reality of his religiousness consisted 
therein, — that it broke not into isolated ideas and feelings, 
which, showing themselves for a moment, pass over — 
coming and going, as though they were only required 
for a fixed occasion, after which they could be put aside, 
until new circumstances demanded them again; no, it 
was to him an affair of the understanding, of the heart, 
and of life — an affair of the first and highest import- 
ance. It was the point from which he set out, the point 
to which he would go, — and inasmuch as he had a perfec- 
tion in all things, so had he for all things a surest founda- 
tion. He treated religious matters, not as state affairs — 
which, conferred on, resolved on, and despatched, are no 
more disturbed, unless a new case occurs bearing thereon 
— no ; for with him the fear of God was the one great 
condition, under which all that is good, of whatever 
name, can alone thrive ; therefore was it the soul of his 
private as of his public life. As he will live in history, 



114 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

so can he be signalized by no more suitable, complete, 
and true term, than, Frederick William III. the Pious. 
During the last 25 years of his reign, he conducted, 
absolutely, the affairs of the Church; for all that has 
occurred with respect thereto, was pondered o'er, ar- 
ranged and ordered by him, himself. The matter of 
the Liturgy, Common Prayer, and Union, was wholly 
his work, — so that one may say with certainty, — with- 
out his immediate, continual, and impulse-giving con- 
duct, it could never have been accomplished, in face of 
so much inimical opposition. His personal investigation 
of the whole matter had been so decisive, and satisfac- 
tory to his mind, and his predilection for the work in 
hand so great, that he even became jealous of any one 
sharing in the honour of putting the important under- 
taking into activity ; — and it is notorious, that he ap- 
pointed, ordered, and introduced this affair into his parish 
church, — the Court-and-Garrison Church in Potsdam, — 
without previously informing, or mentioning a word there- 
of, to the then Minister of Spiritual Affairs. Minister, v. 
Altenstein, could hardly master the influx of business that 
fell to his department, — and considering his excessive 
caution and anxiety, his post proved one of great difficulty. 
The How was in this matter as embarrassing as the What 
was important. For the views and persuasions of Chris- 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 115 

tianity, which the King had fostered and would make 
valid, were the simple and grandiose of the olden times, — 
but those ideas and forms did not fall in with the present 
state of things. 

He had nourished his soul from the Holy Scriptures. 
Their vivifying, regenerating, and comforting power, he 
knew from his own experience, — and that was of more 
value to him than any system of theories. 

His soul bent before the positive divine character of 
Christianity ; its wonders and mysteries filled him with 
deepest veneration ; for he saw in them, great and 
exalted analogies with nature's outspread book. With 
the same glance wherewith he scanned that, he contem- 
plated the Divine Revelation ; and its holy authority was 
his rule and standard. 

The Sacred History, — which gave to the world a new 
and spiritual life, — and which, as an immense fact, lias, 
together with the winders of its renewing power, stood 
for 1800 years firm as a rock, daily regenerating every 
believing mind, — was to him a fact ; and the attempt to 
refer this Holy History to the region of Fable, was highly 
offensive to him, — yet he believed such desire to be but a 
passing-over mental obscuration, which would soon clear 
up, before the light of Him, " who was, and is, and is to 
come ! n 

The ideal of the Christian Church he carried with 
i2 



116 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

him, — and considered the bringing back the Evangelical 
Church of his country to the first faith-principles which 
gave it life, and thereby to its early apostolical simplicity 
and dignity ; as the loftiest problem of his life. 

At this time, when the King's character had so 
decidedly developed itself — surrounded by national pros- 
perity and domestic comfort, having reached the pinnacle 
of fame, and become honoured by all Europe — he thought 
on death ! — and wrote, on the 1st of December, 1827, his 
last Will and Testament. He was then 57 years of age, 
powerful and healthy. 

And what a Testament ! — it is the direct expression of 
his soul, such as only a Christian father of a family could 
write, and such as very few kings have written. It is 
the familiar outflowing of a heart that bids " farewell ! " 
leaving behind words of peace and benediction; — of a 
heart reconciled to God, to itself, and the whole world; 
calmly looking forward to the last decisive hour ! — therein 
is nothing sought, strained, or adorned. All, from the 
first word to the last, breathes of simplicity, truth, and 
faithfulness. Of that which he purposed, originated, 
and accomplished, there is no mention ; — his praise and 
thankfulness were alone for God's grace and help, — and 
no other and higher wish did he cherish, than that " God 
might be unto him a merciful and gracious Judge." 
'Tis evident that that precious document was intended by 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 117 

the August Testator, solely for the eyes of the members 
of his family. He, a friend to publicity in general, loved 
it not in relation to himself — even the outward splen- 
dour of royalty was far from being his personal desire : 
internal worth was his costliest ornament — and humility 
his garment. 

Therefore is our joy greater, and our thankfulness 
more justly due to the now Reigning Monarch, for that, 
on his coming to the throne, he presented to the nation 
this Testament as a precious inheritance, — and like 
a stream of blessings it has flowed, and still flows, 
through the nation, edifying every inhabitant, whether 
of palace or hut, — knitting, if possible, more strongly 
all hearts to his August Successor, and the royal house. 
The following indulgent rescript was addressed to the 
ministers of state by his present Majesty. 

" I order the publication of two precious documents, 
which by the desire of my, now reposing in God, father 
and master, were put into my hands on the day of his 
death, — the one commencing with, 

" 4 My Last Will; 1 
the other with the words, 

" « On Thee, my beloved Fritz/— 
both written by his own hand, and dated December 1st, 
1827. The heroic King of our important period, is de- 
parted and gone to his rest, by the side of the fervently 



118 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

lamented, and never to be forgotten Queen* I beseech 
Almighty God, the Ruler of all hearts, that he permit, the 
love of the people, which sustained Frederick William 
III. in the hour of danger, cheered him in old age, and 
sweetened the bitterness of death, to pass to me his 
son and successor, — who with God's help is determined 
to tread in the steps of his father. My People ! beseech 
with me for the preservation of that rich blessing of 
peace — the precious jewel which he by the sweat of his 
brow gained for us, and fostered with fatherly hand : this 
know I, — should that jewel ever be endangered — which 
God forbid — then will my people rise as one man at my 
call, as did his people when he called. 

" So loyal a people is worthy and fitted to receive 
royal communications, such as follow ; and will feel that 
I can signalize the commencement of my reign by no 
worthier act, than making them public. 
Sans-Souci, 17th June, 1840. 

(Signed) " Frederick William." 

" My Last Will. 
" My time with trouble, my hope in God ! 

* He was buried at Charlottenburg, in the Mausoleum built by 
him for the remains of his dearly beloved consort, the beautiful, 
good, and lamented Queen Louisa, — where is her whole length 
effigy — recumbent and sleeping ; — the inimitable work of Rauch, 
marvellous for its likeness in form and face. — Tr. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 119 

" On thy blessing Lord, all depends ; also, now, in 
this matter. 

" When this my last Will shall meet your eyes, my 
dearly beloved children, my dear Augusta, and the rest 
of my loving relatives, — I am no more one of you, but 
belong to the departed. May you then, at sight of the 
well known inscription, ' Remember the Departed,'' # 
think of me with loving-kindness. 

" May God be to me a merciful and gracious Judge, 
and receive my spirit, which I commit unto His hands. 
Yes, Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit ! 

■ In another world, Thou wilt unite us again ; mayest 
Thou find us worthy through Thy grace, for the sake of 
Christ, Thy beloved Son, our Saviour. Amen. 

" Heavy and severe trials have I undergone according 
to the righteous will of God, — as well in my private 
and personal circumstances, (particularly seventeen years 
ago, when I was deprived of my dearest and best 
Beloved,) as by the events which so direfully struck 
down my much loved country. On the other hand, God 
has — eternal thanks be unto His name for it ! — permitted 
me to witness glorious, joyful, and comforting circum- 
stances. Under the first I reckon the victoriously ended 
struggles of the years 1813, 1814, and 1815, which our 
country may thank for its restoration. Under the 
last, the joyful and consoling, I peculiarly reckon the 
* The superscription over the door of the Mausoleum. 



120 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS 

hearty love, attachment, and well conditioned minds and 
conduct of my children ; so also the signal and unex- 
pected providence of God, which gave to me in my fifth 
decennium a consort, whom I feel in duty bound thus 
publicly to mention as a pattern of constancy, and deli- 
cate attachment. 

" My true, cordial, and last thanks, to all who with 
love, faithfulness, and personal attachment have been 
devoted to me. 

" I forgive my enemies, — also those, who by mali- 
cious speeches, writings, or premeditated misrepresent- 
ations, have striven (but thanks to God, seldom with 
success) to rob me of the confidence of my people — my 
greatest treasure ! 

(Signed) " Frederick William. 

" Berlin, 1st Dec. 1827." 

" On thee, my beloved Fritz, devolves the burthen of 
business incidental to governing, and with it the whole 
weight of its responsibility. Through the position in 
which I placed thee, in anticipation of this event, thou 
art more prepared for thy duties than many other Heirs- 
apparent. 

" It is now, with thee, to fulfil my just hopes, and the 
expectations of the country, — at least to strive to do so. 
Thy principles and sentiments are to me pledges, that 
thou wilt prove a father to thy subjects. 



OF FREDERICK WILLIAM III. 121 

" Beware, however, of the so generally spreading desire 
for change. Beware of impracticable theories, which 
are flying about in every direction. Heed thee also for a 
too long pugnacious preference for that which is esta- 
blished, and which may prove almost as pernicious as the 
other, — for only then, if thou understandest to avoid 
both these rocks, do useful improvements take place. 

" The army is now in a remarkably healthful con- 
dition ; — since its re-organization it has fulfilled my ex- 
pectations, — as in war, so also in peace ; — may it never 
lose sight of its high destination ; and may the country 
likewise never forget what it owes to it. 

u Neglect not to further to the utmost of thy ability, 
union amongst the European powers ; but above all, may 
Prussia, Russia, and Austria never separate; — their union 
may be considered as the keystone of the great Euro- 
pean Alliance. 

" All my dearly beloved children, justify me in the ex- 
pectation, that their continual strivings will be directed 
towards, and be distinguished by, — a useful, active, pure, 
moral and religious course of life ; for only such, brings 
a blessing ; — in my last hour that thought will be my 
consolation. 

" May God preserve and protect my dear country : 
may God preserve and protect our house, now and for 
evermore. 



122 THE RELIGIOUS LIFE AND OPINIONS, &C. 

" May He bless thee, my dear son, and thy rule ; 
may He vouchsafe thee thereto strength and wisdom, — 
and give thee conscientious and attached councillors and 
servants, and dutiful subjects. Amen. 

(Signed) " Frederick William. 

"Berlin, 1st Dec. 1827." 

In this Testament, nothing is overlooked, nothing 
forgotten. One sees in him, the plain man, the tender 
husband, the happy father, the heedful ruler, the decided 
Christian ; and all with simplicity, plainness, and humi- 
lity. One sees in him the man whom God through 
crosses and sufferings wonderfully and gloriously led to 
the height of earthly greatness — on which he stands 
enveloped in inward and outward glory, gazed on and 
honoured by all the world. But he takes nothing to 
himself, attributing every thing to the grace of God. 

The Testament was written by himself ; but what in 
silence he brought in order and settled with God, is in 
the archive of his own breast. The precious bequeath- 
ment was carefully folded up and placed in his desk — but 
so, that after his death it could readily be found. Thus 
prepared, God granted him to live full twelve years longer, 
amidst the blessings of peace and secured prosperity. 

The King departed this life the 14th of June, 1840. 



APPENDIX. 



The Translator presumes that the frequent mention of the 
Lord's Supper in the foregoing selections, may make that cere- 
mony, as now practised in the United Evangelical Church by ap- 
pointment of his late Majesty, of interest to the English reader; — 
he therefore gives the following version of the Communion Service, 
from the authorized Agende, or Common Prayer Book : — 

" (When there is no Communion, the Divine Service ends with the 
final hymn that follows the Blessing j but if Communion, — then the 
Clergyman appointed to the administration of the Lord's Sujyper 
again steps in front of the altar during the singing, and says :) — 

Beloved in the Lord! Inasmuch as we are willing to hold 
the Commemoration Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ for the 
strengthening and confirming of our faith, as ordained by Him ; — 
therefore let every one examine himself, as admonished by the 
Apostle Paul ; for this Holy Sacrament is given the afflicted in con- 
science, the God-fearing, and salvation-seeking, to their strengthen- 
ing and comfort, — if at the same time they take earnest determina- 
tion to amend themselves, to eschew sins, and to lead an upright life. 
In that we must acknowledge ourselves sinful and guilty, and un- 
able to help ourselves, — therefore has Christ, the Son of God, our 
beloved Lord, had mercy upon us, and is for our sin's-sake become 
map, that for us he might fulfil the law and will of God — taking 
and enduring, for our redemption, the death, and all that we are 
liable to on account of our sins. To confirm the same he hath ap- 
pointed his Holy Supper, that every one who eateth of this bread 
and drinketh from this cup, may believe in the words then spoken 
by Jesus Christ ; that he in the Lord Christ, and Christ in him, 



124 APPENDIX. 

remain and live everlastingly. Thereby we are to remember him, 
and proclaim his death, namely, that he died for our sins, and is 
raised again for our justification. Thankful for this unspeakable 
mercy, let each one of us take up his cross and follow him ; and, 
according to his commands, love one another, even as he hath 
loved us ; for we are all of one body, inasmuch as we all partake of 
the same bread and drink out of the same cup. But those who are 
unworthy, i. e., such as with impenitent hearts, being void of faith 
in the promises of God, and without reconciliatory spirit and deter- 
mination to amend, eat of this bread and drink out of this cup ;— 
make themselves guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, and 
reap the damnation,* from which may God in his mercy preserve 
us all.f 

The Clergyman. — Kneel and hear the words of consecration : 
(The Clergyman now turns to the altar, and reads the words of conse- 
cration. The congregation listen to the same kneeling, and do not rise 
until the blessing is pronounced.) Our Lord Jesus Christ in the 
night — the same in which he was betrayed — took the bread, and 
gave thanks, and brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, 
Take, eat : this is my body, which is given for you ; — this do in 
remembrance of me. Likewise after supper he took the cup, gave 
thanks, and said : This cup is the New Testament in my blood, 
which is shed for you and for the many, for the remission of 
sins ; — this do, as often as ye drink, in remembrance of me. 

(Hereupon the Clergyman turns again towards the congregation, 
and says,) — The peace of the Lord be with you all. J Amen. 

Let us pray. 

Lord ! Thou who by thy death hast given life to the world, 



* Or, himself eateth and drinketh the judgment. 

t Instead of this address, that on page 100 may be substituted. 
Also, the clergyman is at liberty to use the Lord's Prayer before or after 
the consecration. 

X The choir may answer : — And with thy spirit. (Implying a reci- 
procal wish.) 



APPENDIX. 125 

deliver us from all our sins, and from all evil ; vouchsafe us the 
strength of will to remain ever faithful to thy commandments ; 
permit not that we separate from Thee, who reignest with the 
Father and the Holy Ghost everlastingly. Amen.* 

The Choir. — Amen. Amen. Amen. (As above.) 

O Lamb of God, which beareth the sin of the world. 

Deliver us, good Lord God. 

O Lamb of God, which beareth the sin of the world. 

Hear us, good Lord God. 

O Lamb of God, which beareth the sin of the world. 

Vouchsafe us thy peace and blessing. 

{During the singing of the choir, the distribution of the Holy 
Elements commences. It is accompanied by other appropriate sacred 
hymns, sung by the congregation until the end of the Communion.') 

The Clergyman. {At the distribution of the bread.) — Take and 
eat, says our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This is my body, 
which is given for you ; — this do in remembrance of me. {At the 
administration of the cup.) — Take and drink all of ye thereout, says 
our Lord and Saviour Je6us Christ; this cup is the New Testa- 
ment in my blood, which is shed for you; — this do in remembrance 
of me. 

{After the Communion the Clergyman says) — Let us pray. 

Almighty, and Everlasting God ! we return Thee our fervent 
thanks for the unspeakable mercy, that by our taking thy Holy 
Supper we have been made partakers thereof ; we humbly beseech 
of Thee that Thou wouldst give us with equal certainty the working 
of thy Holy Spirit, as we have just now received thy Holy Sacra- 
ment : in order that we may embrace with faith and ever keep thy 
divine mercy, remission of sins, union with Christ, and everlasting 
life, as promised to all of us in the same. 

We furthermore thank Thee, Lord Omnipotent ! that Thou hast 
quickened us by thy divine mercy ; and we beseech Thee that thy 

* This prayer, in its earlier form, is found in 2nd part, page 113, and 
may be used in that form. 



126 APPENDIX. 

tender mercy may lead us by it to a vigorous faith in Thee, to 
brotherly love towards all mankind, and to a lively growth in god- 
liness and all Christian virtues, through our Lord Jesus Christ, 
who, together with Thee and the Holy Ghost, reigneth ever- 
lastingly. 

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee.* 

The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious 
unto thee. 

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee 
peace. Amen. 

The Choir. — Amen. Amen. Amen. (The Communicants 
joining in.)" 

(End of the Ceremony.) 



* In Silesia, — the so called Old Lutherans who opposed the Union, 
protested against the use of the plural pronoun, — nevertheless, the 
Clergyman is permitted to use in this place Thee or You, as he may 
think proper. — Tr. 



William Stevens, Printer, Bell Yard, Temple Bar. 



DEDICATED 

33g Special $}txmte&itm to Pte ^Hos't <&radou$ Ptajcsltw, 

FREDERICK WILLIAM IV., KING OF PRUSSIA. 

Complete in Two Volumes, royal 8vo., embellished by Forty En- 
gravings on steel, after Retszch : — containing a Dissertation on 
the Intent and Tendency of the Original Poem, besides above 130 pages 
of Original Notes. — Price, bound in cloth, ^1 14*. : — the Volumes 
may be had separately, viz. — Vol. I., 16*. — Vol. II., 18*. 

GOETHE'S FAUST; 

TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH VERSE, AND EDITED BY 

JONATHAN BIRCH, 

honorary member of the society for home-and-foreign polite 
literature in berlin, author of " fifty-one original fables 
and morals," " divine emblems," &c. 



REMARKS. 

Extract from His Excellency the Prussian Ambassador' 1 s Letter 
to the Translator. 

44 It gives me the utmost satisfaction to have to convey to you His 
Majesty's thanks for the copy of your translation of both parts 
of Goethe's Faust, dedicated and presented to the King. 

" His Majesty rejoices in seeing your noble and indefatigable efforts 
crowned with such eminent success, and cannot help thinking that your 
translation, carried through with so perfect a knowledge of the language 
and the subject, will contribute more than any other, to make that Mas- 
terpiece of our national poetry more generally known, and more fully 
understood. 

" His Majesty wishes to express the high value he puts on your Work 
dedicated to Him, in presenting to you, through me, the Great Golden- 
Medal of Homage, bearing the King's portrait, which I have the 
honour to inclose, &c. &c." .... 

From the Literary Gazette. 

44 For our own parts, we confess that Mr. Birch's preface and transla- 
tion make us better pleased with Faust than we ever were before. We 
think that he has seized upon the spirit of the original with great success, 
and that he has understood the intentions and plan of Goethe in many 
points where they were an object of dispute even among Germans. . . . 

"We consider Mr. Birch's translation exceedingly well done. He 
evidently understands his original far better than any other translator. 
He has transferred into our language the form of verse, and the peculiar 
spirit of the original, with great success ; and he has brought it still more 
within the comprehension of the English reader by the addition of a 
large body of learned and useful Notes. We esteem it altogether a 
valuable addition to our literature." 

CHAPMAN AND HALL, STRAND. 



FIFTY-ONE ORIGINAL FABLES 
AND MORALS, 

WRITTEN BY 

JONATHAN BIRCH, 

Under the assumed Anagrammatical Name of 

JOB CRITHANNAH. 

Embellished with Eighty-five Original Designs by R. Cruikshank, 
Engraved on wood by Bonner, Slader, §c. Price 7s. 



CRITICISMS ON THE WORK. 

" A gentleman, of whet nation or whence descended we know not, re- 
joicing in the psalmodical name of Job Crithannah, has resorted to the 
antique fields of fable to reap a harvest of fame. He has associated 
himself with an ingenious artist ; and together they roam the plains 
of the animal and the moral world. We have been told that this octavo 
has cost a large sum ; we can readily believe it, and that, moreover, the 
author has been stimulated in his undertaking by excellent intentions. 
Persons having the care of the education of young people will do well to 
examine the work ; it will suit their purposes." — Spectator. 

" ■ But among the volumes of this description which have 

appeared, the one chiefly deserving of notice is that entitled ' Fifty-One 
Original Fables.' Some of them display great ingenuity and cleverness, 
others much quaint humour, and the moral tendency of them all is per- 
fectly unobjectionable. 

"The volume is extremely well ' got up,' the illustrations are always 
apposite, and the printing of it is executed in a very superior manner.'' 
—The Times. 

" — The author is a modern JSsop : his stories bear a genuine stamp ; 
they are simple, yet powerful, and will afford lessons to children of a 
larger growth, as well as those for whom they were more particularly 
written." — Sunday Times. 

" The name of Job Crithannah is affixed to the preface of this volume, 
and it is but justice to him to say that, as far as our observation extends, 
his fables are among the best that have appeared in modern times. They 
are related in correct and elegant language, and the ' moral ' is generally 
useful and important. We think the volume entitled to more than 
ordinary commendation, as containing many valuable practical lessons, 
inculcated in an interesting and effective manner. The engravings are 
very numerous, and for beauty and spirit exceed any praise we can 
bestow." — Wesleyan Methodist Magazine. 

" These principles are undoubtedly good, confirmed by universal 

experience ; and the moralist who studies to inculcate virtue by these 
humble but powerful means, is entitled to the gratitude of mankind. 
The author of the work before us is specially entitled to this distinction, 
— having spared neither labour nor expense, to make his work and the 
moral which it inculcates, attractive. The printing and the embellishments 
are excellent." — Catholic Magazine. 

" Our young friends will one and all be right glad to possess this highly 
interesting volume, abounding in lessons of deep and powerful moral in- 
terest, and which is illustrated by works of art, executed in Cruikshank's 
best and most humorous way." — Evangelical Magazine. 

G. BELL, UNIVERSITY BOOKSELLER, FLEET STREET. 



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